From e431de8e34bf8b49271d850f5485298a15eac767 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Nick Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2019 18:42:28 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] changed training data --- data/scraper/stories/build_training_data.py | 12 +- ...ext_adventures.csv => text_adventures.txt} | 1860 ++++++++--------- 2 files changed, 939 insertions(+), 933 deletions(-) rename data/scraper/stories/{text_adventures.csv => text_adventures.txt} (97%) diff --git a/data/scraper/stories/build_training_data.py b/data/scraper/stories/build_training_data.py index 75bfd5a..1d2c18b 100644 --- a/data/scraper/stories/build_training_data.py +++ b/data/scraper/stories/build_training_data.py @@ -31,14 +31,20 @@ def get_stories(filename): return stories -output_file_path = "text_adventures.csv" +output_file_path = "text_adventures.txt" with open(output_file_path, 'w') as output_file: - writer = csv.writer(output_file, delimiter=',', quotechar='"', quoting=csv.QUOTE_MINIMAL) filenames = ["story0.json"] stories = [] for filename in filenames: stories += get_stories(filename) + raw_text = "" + start_token = "<|startoftext|>" + end_token = "<|endoftext|>" for story in stories: - writer.writerow([story]) + raw_text += start_token + story + end_token + "\n" + + output_file.write(raw_text) + + diff --git a/data/scraper/stories/text_adventures.csv b/data/scraper/stories/text_adventures.txt similarity index 97% rename from data/scraper/stories/text_adventures.csv rename to data/scraper/stories/text_adventures.txt index 1c76911..6ad5d64 100644 --- a/data/scraper/stories/text_adventures.csv +++ b/data/scraper/stories/text_adventures.txt @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -"Chapter 1: Born to Kill +<|startoftext|>Chapter 1: Born to Kill Year 0 @@ -322,8 +322,8 @@ You are almost at the end of the pass when a large rumbling is heard. You look o Unfortunately several giants face you when you do dig yourself out. You’re out numbered and trapped in the pass. You know that this is most likely going to be your last battle. -You draw your sword and walk towards the giants. It will be a good death, but your only regret is that you will not survive to serve the Empire for longer than you would’ve liked." -"Unfortunately Pollo is right, the only decision that makes sense is to leave Gerald behind. +You draw your sword and walk towards the giants. It will be a good death, but your only regret is that you will not survive to serve the Empire for longer than you would’ve liked.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Unfortunately Pollo is right, the only decision that makes sense is to leave Gerald behind. Still, you aren’t fond of the idea though not necessarily for the moral reasons that most would be. This is an unproductive use of your team’s talents and pointless in the scheme of things. You can’t believe the Empire would allow such a petty man to be in charge of the safety of a province and why isn’t the Emperor aware of such inefficiency? @@ -540,8 +540,8 @@ Eventually you and Kane get away, but in all the excitement you don’t know whe Your next few days involve wandering the desert being continually worn down by usksha ambushes and the sun. You leave Kane’s dehydrated body and continue alone, but not for long as you eventually also succumb to the heat. -As you lay dying your thoughts of glory are gone and though dehydrated, you manage to shed a single tear for your failure to serve the Emperor." -"You decide that it might be wise to maintain a presence here, after all there is still work to be done and you’re confident that things will be better at the fort now. Lieutenant Anu nods and says you can set out in a couple days to the town of Jekka. He mentions that the nomads have never been a problem like the kobold are, but lately they have been reaching that level. He also says they aren’t native to Nalin, but rather the desert land south of it. +As you lay dying your thoughts of glory are gone and though dehydrated, you manage to shed a single tear for your failure to serve the Emperor.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You decide that it might be wise to maintain a presence here, after all there is still work to be done and you’re confident that things will be better at the fort now. Lieutenant Anu nods and says you can set out in a couple days to the town of Jekka. He mentions that the nomads have never been a problem like the kobold are, but lately they have been reaching that level. He also says they aren’t native to Nalin, but rather the desert land south of it. You spend the next couple of days at the fort are spent honing your weapon skills and telling your team to do likewise. Gerald joins you after being released from the stockade. He looks a little embarrassed and you reprimand him for his lack of finesse, but welcome him back. @@ -829,8 +829,8 @@ You run your sword through the face of a wendigo and ignore his claws ripping th You sink your teeth into the body of the wendigo and begin to feed…or rather the carcass of its former host as the wendigo itself has left its body and managed to weave itself into your mind. Your barrier against it finally shattered, your mind is truly not your own anymore. While you are “alive” you are merely a puppet now. -You spend the remainder of your days seeking out fresh flesh, until ultimately your mind is completely absorbed and under control of the wendigo." -"“While I have every desire to see both of these blights erased from the Empire’s lands, I believe my abilities would be best served in leading the attack against the Wendigo tribe, captain.” You say. +You spend the remainder of your days seeking out fresh flesh, until ultimately your mind is completely absorbed and under control of the wendigo.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“While I have every desire to see both of these blights erased from the Empire’s lands, I believe my abilities would be best served in leading the attack against the Wendigo tribe, captain.” You say. “I had a feeling you’d be more drawn to that idea, and you are probably the best person for it, seeing how many victories you have against the barbarians tribes here. Very well, I shall send another officer to lead the mission against the elves and I hope those mercenaries lower their price in exchange for a chance to kill their tree loving kin. In fact I may go along on that mission.” Captain Krozer replies. “You are captain?” “Yes, someone needs to keep an eye on those shifty bastards. Besides I find that I’ve been getting stuck behind the desk too much lately. It’ll be good to be back out in the field. Don’t want to become like one of those fat self-important generals that do nothing except point to maps and make equally fat musings on tactics. A true leader should lead from the front, I’m sure you agree.” @@ -1037,8 +1037,8 @@ Kane smiles and is certainly overjoyed at your response, but Cyrus looks less th You attempt to get up and attack the battle mage behind, but unfortunately he’s already anticipated that and stepped far enough way for you to not get to him in time before he’s already cast a lightning bolt straight in your face. If it had been your body, perhaps you would’ve survived, but a straight blast to your face fries not only your eyes so badly that they melt, but your brain as well. -You drop down dead before you can hear Kane’s argument that you could’ve been “turned” to the cause." -"Year 25 +You drop down dead before you can hear Kane’s argument that you could’ve been “turned” to the cause.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 25 “Another protest? What the hell is going on now?” you say. “I don’t know the exact details, just that the miners are protesting their work conditions in the town of Keplavisk.” Lieutenant Verant replies. @@ -1261,8 +1261,8 @@ You continue to fight valiantly, cutting down many of the Shadow Guard that have You get back up as quickly as you can to see orcs pouring into the front gates and the remainder of your men slaughtered. Griping your sword one last time your only regret is not taking the opportunity to kill Kane and Cyrus a year ago when you were captured at Fort Defiance. Indeed you played everything a bit too cautiously. None of it matters now though, the only thing you can do is go out like a true warrior. If not victory, then you can take comfort in that at least. -“For the Empire!” you shout and charge into the horde." -"As much as you’d like to kill both Kane and Cyrus, you’re outnumbered and you can’t even be sure if you’d catch them together again in this big fort. Better to escape and come back later better prepared to punish them. Still you’re going to need some sort of gear to survive the cold outside of the fort. +“For the Empire!” you shout and charge into the horde.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>As much as you’d like to kill both Kane and Cyrus, you’re outnumbered and you can’t even be sure if you’d catch them together again in this big fort. Better to escape and come back later better prepared to punish them. Still you’re going to need some sort of gear to survive the cold outside of the fort. “We can’t just escape half naked like this. We’re going to need some sort of clothing or better yet armor and weapons.” You say “Yeah, there is a small supply room on the way. It isn’t the main one, but it shouldn’t have any guards by it either. We have to make our way to the kitchen area first, should be relatively empty right now.” @@ -1327,8 +1327,8 @@ You’re about midway through this slimy tube when all of a sudden the top part “Hah, boss waz right. Time to burn now!” he says and throws at torch at you. Normally this wouldn’t do much damage by itself, but with the combination of grease, oil and other flammable muck you’ve been rolling around it, you light up like a tinderbox along with the entire grease covered chute. You lose your grip and slide back down crashing into your men and setting them on fire as well. -When you hit the pile of garbage below, you’re completely engulfed by the flames and the garbage pile goes up like an inferno. The screams of your men burning alive and your own skin crackling are the last sounds you hear." -"The idea is so repugnant to you that you can’t even bring yourself to even lie about joining him. It probably wouldn’t work anyway; you’ve never been a good liar. You breathe deeply before speaking again. +When you hit the pile of garbage below, you’re completely engulfed by the flames and the garbage pile goes up like an inferno. The screams of your men burning alive and your own skin crackling are the last sounds you hear.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>The idea is so repugnant to you that you can’t even bring yourself to even lie about joining him. It probably wouldn’t work anyway; you’ve never been a good liar. You breathe deeply before speaking again. “Kane, I am NOT going to help you. Now you do what you must, and I shall do what I must.” “Told you this was a waste of time, let us be done with this.” Cyrus says and points a small crossbow on his wrist and fires it at you, though Kane knocks his hand away causing the bolt to just hit your shoulder. @@ -1694,8 +1694,8 @@ You and Gruz both receive several bolts to the back. Gruz manages too shake off While you’re certainly wearing protective gear as well and an Eternal to boot, the bolts sink into your flesh a lot easier and deeper. The pain is great, but you manage to get back up in an effort to find better cover. Gruz spots the shadow assassin and engages him unfortunately two more shadows jump down from the trees to finish you off. Under normal circumstances you’d easily be able to handle the pair of them even with bolts in your back, but in typical shadow fashion, the bolts were dipped in some sort of poison, not strong enough to kill you, but enough to make you sleepy. -And it’s this drowsiness that is your downfall. You swing at the two shadows a few times before they manage to land their own attacks on you. A quick slash to your neck releases an arterial spray and you’re dead before you even hit the ground." -"“Go get the rooms Roldan, I’ll help Gerald.” You say. +And it’s this drowsiness that is your downfall. You swing at the two shadows a few times before they manage to land their own attacks on you. A quick slash to your neck releases an arterial spray and you’re dead before you even hit the ground.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“Go get the rooms Roldan, I’ll help Gerald.” You say. “Okay.” Roldan agrees and leaves. You and Gerald help the Captain Gruz up who is mumbling things the whole time. @@ -2350,12 +2350,12 @@ Now there’s name that’s spoken of in only whispers nowadays in Rask. Everyon Now it looks like Ulivik is intent on being that new unfortunate idiot. “Have you lost your fucking mind, because if you haven’t, then you will if you go there and that’s if you’re lucky. I went to that blasted place once, I had a company of soldiers with me and I was in my prime. I barely got out of that place alive and you know what happened to the few soldiers that survived with me? Four of them ultimately committed suicide from their nightmares and the other two got discharged and thrown in the asylum for just going batshit insane. No, I’m not going and if you got any sense, you won’t either. That place does shit your mind. The spirits there are pure evil, and they are not to be trifled with.” -""No, I have a remedy for that! Look at these!"" Ulivik says and produces two amulets with a faint blue glow. +"No, I have a remedy for that! Look at these!" Ulivik says and produces two amulets with a faint blue glow. -""Let me guess, these things are magical and they're supposed to protect us from getting possessed."" -""Correct! Even when I was little, I heard there was supposed to be great treasure in those hills. Nobody has ever had the skill to go in there and claim it, but I want to be the first because I truly feel like I'm ready now. You're the about the one who has traveled the most in those hills and survived. You would be a great help and we can even share whatever we find! Come on, it'll be like old times!"" +"Let me guess, these things are magical and they're supposed to protect us from getting possessed." +"Correct! Even when I was little, I heard there was supposed to be great treasure in those hills. Nobody has ever had the skill to go in there and claim it, but I want to be the first because I truly feel like I'm ready now. You're the about the one who has traveled the most in those hills and survived. You would be a great help and we can even share whatever we find! Come on, it'll be like old times!" -""Old"" being the key word here. While you were wondering if you were becoming more complacent in your old age, you aren't sure if going to the Wendigo Hills is something you want to do just to prove ""you still got it."" +"Old" being the key word here. While you were wondering if you were becoming more complacent in your old age, you aren't sure if going to the Wendigo Hills is something you want to do just to prove "you still got it." > Help Ulivik Ulivik may be an accomplished warrior now, but out of all the tales he’s told you about his adventures; he still hasn’t faced anything like the wendigos and he’s going to get himself killed or worse if he goes into this with just the hope of some magic bauble around his neck. As much as you’re loathed to go through this again, you decide to help Ulivik. @@ -2631,8 +2631,8 @@ At this point Rissok pulls out a flintlock pistol and points it at you. “And so ends the first generation. You had your time in the sun, now it is time for the seconds to take over where you failed. Guard, finish this relic off.” “Nah, we’re not following you either.” A guard says and raises his own musket to Rissok and blows his head off. Rissok’s body collapses on to the floor next to you, blood, skull and brains leaking all over the place. -Staring at Rissok’s headless body, you chuckle in between your dying gasps before finally passing from this world." -"If Edgar wants to see you, then why not? If he had anything sinister planned for you like having his escort kill you when you arrive. Besides you’re old and you didn’t worry about dying in combat when you were twenty, you’re not going to start worrying about it now. +Staring at Rissok’s headless body, you chuckle in between your dying gasps before finally passing from this world.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>If Edgar wants to see you, then why not? If he had anything sinister planned for you like having his escort kill you when you arrive. Besides you’re old and you didn’t worry about dying in combat when you were twenty, you’re not going to start worrying about it now. You pack a few things for your trip and get your horse ready since you know Rask carriages don’t travel through ED territory anymore. It’s hard getting on damn a horse ever since losing part of your leg, but you’re not about to walk the way there! @@ -2780,8 +2780,8 @@ Grabbing a quill and some parchment you begin to write. You want to get as much Mistress was her name, and that was about the only thing I ever knew about her. Oh that and the fact that she was a sadistic svelk bitch that helped trained me and my bothers and sister to be killers. Not just killers though, Eternals. -This is our story." -"Year 75 +This is our story.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 75 As the years creep up on you and despite missing part of your leg, you still feel don’t feel in any ill health. It’s mostly just aches and pains from your more physical years catching up with you. After the leg incident though, you took that permanent position at the Keplavisk military academy as a strategy instructor, though nowadays it’s looking like it’ll become the Rask military academy. Rask is in the process of becoming a “real nation” rather than just a collection of allied towns. You don’t really know all the politics of it, but the main guiding force was justified Raskian paranoia again. Ever since the Eternal Dominion’s war with the Felkan Kingdom grinded to a halt, the ED has been making overtures to Rask to join them in the veiled form of threats rather than any sort of diplomatic alliance agreements. @@ -2825,8 +2825,8 @@ The day after your death Ulivik finds you. After his own short immediate morning “Rask may not have originally been your home, but it became your home. And now you’re part of it forever.” He says as his final words to you. -While never remembered on a large scale, tall tales about you pop up in taverns in Rask from time to time of various things you did or didn’t do and Ulivik would always speak fondly of you whenever he was asked about his own past." -"Ulivik may be an accomplished warrior now, but out of all the tales he’s told you about his adventures; he still hasn’t faced anything like the wendigos and he’s going to get himself killed or worse if he goes into this with just the hope of some magic bauble around his neck. As much as you’re loathed to go through this again, you decide to help Ulivik. +While never remembered on a large scale, tall tales about you pop up in taverns in Rask from time to time of various things you did or didn’t do and Ulivik would always speak fondly of you whenever he was asked about his own past.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Ulivik may be an accomplished warrior now, but out of all the tales he’s told you about his adventures; he still hasn’t faced anything like the wendigos and he’s going to get himself killed or worse if he goes into this with just the hope of some magic bauble around his neck. As much as you’re loathed to go through this again, you decide to help Ulivik. “Alright I’ll go, but as soon as I think we’re in a shitload of danger that we can’t handle, you better listen to me, because this isn’t going to be the fun adventure you think it’s going to be. Understand?” “Sure, but I really don’t think it’s going to be as bad as all that.” @@ -2930,8 +2930,8 @@ Your heart sinks knowing what has happened, and you try to let go, but his own g “I told you, you couldn’t win.” -In Ulivik’s body, the wendigo is much quicker than you and manages to knock your sword out of your hand and then knock you to the ground. You scramble for your weapon, but you feel a kick to your head followed by a couple of stomps to it. Bloody and dazed, you lose consciousness before you are made into the wendigo’s long awaited meal." -"Year 65 +In Ulivik’s body, the wendigo is much quicker than you and manages to knock your sword out of your hand and then knock you to the ground. You scramble for your weapon, but you feel a kick to your head followed by a couple of stomps to it. Bloody and dazed, you lose consciousness before you are made into the wendigo’s long awaited meal.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 65 You get a knock on the door to which causes you to wonder who would be bothering you at this time of night. You’re more than a little annoyed since you were sleeping. @@ -2986,12 +2986,12 @@ Now there’s name that’s spoken of in only whispers nowadays in Rask. Everyon Now it looks like Ulivik is intent on being that new unfortunate idiot. “Have you lost your fucking mind, because if you haven’t, then you will if you go there and that’s if you’re lucky. I went to that blasted place once, I had a company of soldiers with me and I was in my prime. I barely got out of that place alive and you know what happened to the few soldiers that survived with me? Four of them ultimately committed suicide from their nightmares and the other two got discharged and thrown in the asylum for just going batshit insane. No, I’m not going and if you got any sense, you won’t either. That place does shit your mind. The spirits there are pure evil, and they are not to be trifled with.” -""No, I have a remedy for that! Look at these!"" Ulivik says and produces two amulets with a faint blue glow. +"No, I have a remedy for that! Look at these!" Ulivik says and produces two amulets with a faint blue glow. -""Let me guess, these things are magical and they're supposed to protect us from getting possessed."" -""Correct! Even when I was little, I heard there was supposed to be great treasure in those hills. Nobody has ever had the skill to go in there and claim it, but I want to be the first because I truly feel like I'm ready now. You're the about the one who has traveled the most in those hills and survived. You would be a great help and we can even share whatever we find! Come on, it'll be like old times!"" +"Let me guess, these things are magical and they're supposed to protect us from getting possessed." +"Correct! Even when I was little, I heard there was supposed to be great treasure in those hills. Nobody has ever had the skill to go in there and claim it, but I want to be the first because I truly feel like I'm ready now. You're the about the one who has traveled the most in those hills and survived. You would be a great help and we can even share whatever we find! Come on, it'll be like old times!" -""Old"" being the key word here. While you were wondering if you were becoming more complacent in your old age, you aren't sure if going to the Wendigo Hills is something you want to do just to prove ""you still got it."" +"Old" being the key word here. While you were wondering if you were becoming more complacent in your old age, you aren't sure if going to the Wendigo Hills is something you want to do just to prove "you still got it." > Stay home Complacent or not, you’re really thinking that this is just a bad idea all the way round. @@ -3021,8 +3021,8 @@ Year 73 The rest of your years have been spent mostly going about your life with increasingly less and less for you to do. There are some changes in society, but ultimately you begin to feel the decline of your own will to live. You never thought you’d feel that way, but there it is. You just don’t have anything else to keep you motivated anymore. -The thrill of living finally disappears from you entirely and you are found dead by your own hand. While you were not sick and still in relatively good health for a man your age, you decided that you would end it before you might not be in such a condition to do so. A note explaining your suicide is left nearby and the town gives you a proper cremation. Some of your old students turn out for it and say a few words, but in time you are soon forgotten and only brought up as the subject of “tall tales” by drunkards in Rask taverns every once in a blue moon." -"Year 55 +The thrill of living finally disappears from you entirely and you are found dead by your own hand. While you were not sick and still in relatively good health for a man your age, you decided that you would end it before you might not be in such a condition to do so. A note explaining your suicide is left nearby and the town gives you a proper cremation. Some of your old students turn out for it and say a few words, but in time you are soon forgotten and only brought up as the subject of “tall tales” by drunkards in Rask taverns every once in a blue moon.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 55 After another hard day of training various citizens of Rask, you lie in your bed thinking about how much has changed over the years. Never did you think that you’d be running a real business, though to be honest if it wasn’t for legitimate paranoia on the part of the Rask Alliance, you’d probably be spending all of your time still as a merc, as it stands you’re practically responsible for training the closest thing to an army that Rask has, though it’s probably more of an organized militia. @@ -3174,8 +3174,8 @@ He eventually slashes you across the chest and runs you through. You fall to the “I…guess the old Eternal ways of (cough) domination and war just got the better of me…heh knew there was a reason why I originally didn’t try to become a tyrant all those years ago. It never ends well…” “It didn’t have to be this way!” Ulivik now exclaims almost as if he’s holding back tears. -“Maybe…but now’s your chance to make it better. Hope you’re prepared for it…I was getting tired of it anyway…” you say and pass from this world." -"Year 65 +“Maybe…but now’s your chance to make it better. Hope you’re prepared for it…I was getting tired of it anyway…” you say and pass from this world.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 65 As you settle down for the night, you think about how you got in this position. @@ -3274,8 +3274,8 @@ Eventually one man is left standing. Bruised, bloody and battered, but victoriou “Thank you sir, I will do everything in my power to ensure the safety and prosperity of the city.” Eddings remarks with pride. “I’m sure you will, I’m sure you will, why don’t you head to the infirmary first though. As for me I’m going back to sleep. You can catch up with me later if you need some explanation on anything, but I left some notes on my desk for you as a general guideline.” You say and head back to your room. -You know you’ll probably still be running things for a while at least and probably be consulted many times, but you still feel as if a weight has been lifted off you. The problem is, you wonder how you’ll spend your free time. You’ll think of something you suppose." -"You decide to humor the boy and agree. Chances are, he’s not going to get permission from his parents anyway and when that happens he’ll be less likely to bother you again. If he does get permission, well it’s not that far to Kenneth’s Rest and you were going there anyway. Plus you’ll have given him the chance he wants and again he’ll be less likely to bother you. +You know you’ll probably still be running things for a while at least and probably be consulted many times, but you still feel as if a weight has been lifted off you. The problem is, you wonder how you’ll spend your free time. You’ll think of something you suppose.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You decide to humor the boy and agree. Chances are, he’s not going to get permission from his parents anyway and when that happens he’ll be less likely to bother you again. If he does get permission, well it’s not that far to Kenneth’s Rest and you were going there anyway. Plus you’ll have given him the chance he wants and again he’ll be less likely to bother you. “Alright Ulivik, you go ask your parents, but I’m taking you to Kenneth’s Rest and no further. And when we get there, you’re on your own, don’t think that you’re going to be tagging along with me anywhere else.” “Okay! That’s great! I’ll be right be back…uh could you come with me, so they know I’m telling the truth?” @@ -3411,8 +3411,8 @@ Your own hits against it don’t seem to do anything, except the one time when y In the meantime the firebomb you lit fell close by and its fuse is still burning down. Somehow between your eyes covered in blood, the difficulty breathing and the pain wracking your entire body while a troll is eating you alive, you manage to grab the firebomb with your good arm and hold it right near the troll’s head. -You get a minor satisfaction at the troll’s expression when he sees the bomb just before it goes off, blowing the pair of you up." -"Chapter 3A1: Bane of Rask +You get a minor satisfaction at the troll’s expression when he sees the bomb just before it goes off, blowing the pair of you up.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Chapter 3A1: Bane of Rask Year 45 @@ -3531,8 +3531,8 @@ You might be an Eternal and your fighting spirit is always willing, but that doe Your unwillingness to settle down and die peacefully in your bed eventually catches up with you during a mercenary job you take in some small town in a far away land. Bandits are raiding the town on a regular basis and you take part in defending it. You do well enough for a man your age, but ultimately you are brought down by several of them who manage to surround and gain the advantage over you. -You fall to several sword blows to your body and collapse in a bloody heap in the streets of the town." -"While it’s an interesting possibility, you’re not training soldiers anymore; you’re done with that mess and quite frankly, you doubt if Ulivik would make a good warrior of any kind. +You fall to several sword blows to your body and collapse in a bloody heap in the streets of the town.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>While it’s an interesting possibility, you’re not training soldiers anymore; you’re done with that mess and quite frankly, you doubt if Ulivik would make a good warrior of any kind. “Look kid, I’ve put up with you for quite some time now, but enough is enough. I told you, go down to Kenneth’s Rest and get a job. If you’re too much of a sissy to disobey your parents, then you ain’t gonna have what it takes to be a merc in the first place. Now leave me the hell alone, or I’m gonna hurt you very very badly and you don’t want that.” @@ -3639,8 +3639,8 @@ You knew you could count on Eldolith being a typical svelk. While she’s taunti She falls into the snow coughing up blood and holding on to her side. You hear her cursing you with her dying breaths as you attempt to leave the area. While you have won, you know you aren’t going to survive too much longer. -You manage to crawl a few more meters before the poison finally takes it toll. Your last thoughts are nostalgic ones. You allow yourself to smile at the times you got to enjoy life and your past victories, even this one. Yes this is a good death you think and then you pass on." -"Chapter 3A1: Bane of Rask +You manage to crawl a few more meters before the poison finally takes it toll. Your last thoughts are nostalgic ones. You allow yourself to smile at the times you got to enjoy life and your past victories, even this one. Yes this is a good death you think and then you pass on.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Chapter 3A1: Bane of Rask Year 45 @@ -3728,8 +3728,8 @@ Other than that, he hasn’t exactly been all that lucky. Given the reputation o Perhaps due to his outcast nature he’s latched on to the idea of a mercenary life of being a glorious life of excitement and adventure. Naturally when he found out that you were one of the best mercenaries in the region, he attached himself to you almost immediately and whenever you’re in town, he asks you a bunch of questions. Even getting hostile with him doesn’t drive him away since he’s so used to it, so nowadays you just resign yourself to the temporary annoyance. -He’s sort of a good example of the whole nature vs. nurture nonsense you overheard some drunk philosopher babbling about in a local tavern once. You have to admit, sometimes you feel a little sorry for him, never thought you’d feel that way towards anyone, let alone a svelk." -"Year 35 +He’s sort of a good example of the whole nature vs. nurture nonsense you overheard some drunk philosopher babbling about in a local tavern once. You have to admit, sometimes you feel a little sorry for him, never thought you’d feel that way towards anyone, let alone a svelk.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 35 Another rebellion put down. You wipe your sword of blood and shake your head as you look around at the chaos. This is the Quala province, the very heartland of the Empire. You shouldn’t have to be trying to maintain order here only a few miles away from the capital itself. @@ -4041,8 +4041,8 @@ Call it bad luck, rash behavior, or the fate of the battle, but unfortunately yo Several arrows fly out from their hiding spot and bring down several of your men. You try to look for somewhere to hide and take cover, but you’re completely out in the open. A couple more arrows fly and they hit their mark, and one that flies into your neck is the last one you feel. -As you lay dying, you can only hope that Dawn is alive and well, because you aren’t due to your lapse in judgment." -"Year 45 +As you lay dying, you can only hope that Dawn is alive and well, because you aren’t due to your lapse in judgment.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 45 “They’ll probably attack at night sir.” Dawn says to you. “Yeah, gnolls are predictable that way. Is Blossumdale under control? @@ -4202,8 +4202,8 @@ You stand around waiting, while the remaining guards continue to give you dirty This strange remark causes you to instinctively look up just in time to see someone pointing a musket at you from the top of the fort. Then you hear a loud blast and the top of your head is blown off in an explosion of skull and gray matter. You continue to stand and stare up for a moment and with what’s left of your brain you realize the bastard who just shot you was one those new eternals present when you killed private Felding. -Your body then collapses in a heap, while the rest of the new eternals congratulate their captain on his shot." -"You’ve tried to fit in here, but maybe it just isn’t meant to be. The Felkan Kingdom hasn’t given you the sense of purpose that you wanted except during the time you were fighting the gnolls and that’s only because you created an environment that you felt comfortable in. This place operates in such a way that is at odds with how you do things and this “generous” offer that the gnome has given you is probably the best you’re going to get, if you insist on staying. +Your body then collapses in a heap, while the rest of the new eternals congratulate their captain on his shot.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You’ve tried to fit in here, but maybe it just isn’t meant to be. The Felkan Kingdom hasn’t given you the sense of purpose that you wanted except during the time you were fighting the gnolls and that’s only because you created an environment that you felt comfortable in. This place operates in such a way that is at odds with how you do things and this “generous” offer that the gnome has given you is probably the best you’re going to get, if you insist on staying. When you tell the gnome you’re going to leave, General Benson is obviously pleased, though the gnome doesn’t gloat. He simply nods and tells you that perhaps this is for the best. He assures you that nobody will be punished for any of the actions taken place her and that Lieutenant Young will take command of the fort. He also says he hopes you can find somewhere you belong. @@ -4254,8 +4254,8 @@ Even you can’t help but be touched by that remark and you aren’t exactly sur The next morning after your passionate embrace, you and Dawn begin your journey together and leave the known region far behind. In the years that follow the pair of you wander, seeing new sights and getting into adventures. Several times you genuinely attempt to find a place where you feel comfortable, but it just never happens. While the pair of you never do settle down, your love continues to last. -What ultimately happens to the both of you is lost to time." -"You need to stay here and oversee the purging of this fort, and the surrounding area. You can’t start running off half assed because you’re a little worried about one soldier even if she is one of the best ones you’ve had under your command. (Not including your fellow Eternals of course) +What ultimately happens to the both of you is lost to time.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You need to stay here and oversee the purging of this fort, and the surrounding area. You can’t start running off half assed because you’re a little worried about one soldier even if she is one of the best ones you’ve had under your command. (Not including your fellow Eternals of course) After slaying all the gnolls still in the fort, you regroup your soldiers and tell one of the sergeants to head over the Blossumdale with a couple platoons and help in whatever way they can. You tell the rest of your soldiers to start rebuilding the walls, clear out the dead bodies and to help you do a sweep of the area. @@ -4554,8 +4554,8 @@ He also mentions one other that wasn’t in a soldier uniform, but was the last “It was stupid of the Felkans to remove him from command in the first place, but I guess even they couldn’t keep him off the battlefield forever.” Brenda says. “No, and that was that spark I was referring to earlier. Just think if the pair of them had stayed here instead? Think of all the things we could’ve accomplished! Such a waste. Well it’s over now and with those two out of the way, I think our plan is going to be a lot easier.” “True, but I still wish things had been different.” -“So do I Brenda, so do I.”" -"Year 55 +“So do I Brenda, so do I.”<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 55 Another clear night and you look out across the Arat border from the fort roof knowing that the ED could invade soon…though you’ve been waiting for about five years now. If anything you’d wish that they’d hurry up and do it or as you’ve often suggested to Klemto, that you strike at the ED first. @@ -4821,8 +4821,8 @@ This is what the Empire should’ve been like. This is what you were taught to believe in. -And it fills you with happiness that it was you that was part of making this come true." -"Year 58 +And it fills you with happiness that it was you that was part of making this come true.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 58 Your soldiers stand ready at camp as a single enemy approaches you. He shows no fear and has a look of determination and blazing fury in his eyes. He might even be able to cut down everyone in his path just to get to you, but that won’t be necessary, as you have ordered everyone to stand down. This is between you and him. He’s an Eternal, a true one that you once served with, if either of you are to die today, it should at the hands of the other. No others are worthy. @@ -4893,8 +4893,8 @@ You punch out one of the protestors, which causes more shouting from the rest of You feel the impact to your chest and fall to the ground as mass chaos erupts all around you. Dawn screams for a medic and attempts to drag you out of the way, but you’re already coughing up blood and gasping for breath as the chest wound continues to bleed out your vital fluids. -“Dawn…(gasp, gurgle)” is all you can utter before your heart stops beating." -"Year 58 +“Dawn…(gasp, gurgle)” is all you can utter before your heart stops beating.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 58 Your soldiers stand ready at camp as a single enemy approaches you. He shows no fear and has a look of determination and blazing fury in his eyes. He might even be able to cut down everyone in his path just to get to you, but that won’t be necessary, as you have ordered everyone to stand down. This is between you and him. He’s an Eternal, a true one that you once served with, if either of you are to die today, it should at the hands of the other. No others are worthy. @@ -5004,8 +5004,8 @@ And with those last words you saw Klemto blow his brains out. Naturally you don’t have the same problems as he did, but perhaps he could’ve been right about there coming a time to retire. Quitting while you’re ahead so to speak, and not screwing up your past accomplishments by being too stubborn. -You certainly wouldn’t want to end up in a hopeless position like poor Klemto." -"You wouldn’t have gotten promoted if you hadn’t reported Captain Eckers, and you wouldn’t have gotten this command if you hadn’t took it upon yourself to launch an attack on the gnolls. The fact is, throughout most of your life, you’ve followed orders, but it’s only when you’ve taken matters into your own hands on important decisions that you’ve gotten anywhere. +You certainly wouldn’t want to end up in a hopeless position like poor Klemto.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You wouldn’t have gotten promoted if you hadn’t reported Captain Eckers, and you wouldn’t have gotten this command if you hadn’t took it upon yourself to launch an attack on the gnolls. The fact is, throughout most of your life, you’ve followed orders, but it’s only when you’ve taken matters into your own hands on important decisions that you’ve gotten anywhere. Why should this time be any different? @@ -5097,8 +5097,8 @@ You think you now understand what Roldan was talking about when he spoke of Bren With war looming all around the pair of you, death is always a possibility, but this gesture, this ritual, this bond that you both are going through will signify that even if the unfortunate should occur to either one of you, you know that the love you felt was always there, and will always be there. -The pair of you aren’t even paying attention to the local holy man performing the ceremony or the few soldiers in attendance as witnesses, it’s just you and her as the pair of you embrace and kiss." -"You don’t know if this is actually going to do any good, but if the captain ever decides to suddenly secede from the Felkan Kingdom, you want someone to know that you weren’t part of it from the beginning. The problem there isn’t a higher-ranking officer at the fort and you don’t really know anybody that you could report this to. You suppose you write a letter to Major Samuels at Fort Smoke. He’s in charge of the whole Ibim province, but then you think what if he feels the same way as the captain? If that’s the case, then you’d probably become hated not just at your fort, but in other circles as well. You’d possibly even be demoted or worse. You’ve managed to make a life here with minimal friction, and you’d hate to just throw that all away, but you have to do something. For good or ill your duty is to the kingdom now and you need to defend against all potential threats, external and internal, and from your experience the internal ones are the worst. +The pair of you aren’t even paying attention to the local holy man performing the ceremony or the few soldiers in attendance as witnesses, it’s just you and her as the pair of you embrace and kiss.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You don’t know if this is actually going to do any good, but if the captain ever decides to suddenly secede from the Felkan Kingdom, you want someone to know that you weren’t part of it from the beginning. The problem there isn’t a higher-ranking officer at the fort and you don’t really know anybody that you could report this to. You suppose you write a letter to Major Samuels at Fort Smoke. He’s in charge of the whole Ibim province, but then you think what if he feels the same way as the captain? If that’s the case, then you’d probably become hated not just at your fort, but in other circles as well. You’d possibly even be demoted or worse. You’ve managed to make a life here with minimal friction, and you’d hate to just throw that all away, but you have to do something. For good or ill your duty is to the kingdom now and you need to defend against all potential threats, external and internal, and from your experience the internal ones are the worst. That’s when you come up with the idea that you’ll write to Warrick about this. He might not be able to do anything about it considering he’s in another province, but he’s about the only one you can trust and maybe he knows something and can at least give you advice. @@ -5174,8 +5174,8 @@ Dawn grew up in a poor neighborhood with a mother that barely wanted her to begi She’s about twenty now and from what you can tell she’s served pretty commendably wherever she was stationed. You can also respect the fact she overcame the obstacles that life placed in front of her and it’s probably what made you choose her over a couple of the other potential candidates. She also transferred here shortly after you replaced Eckers, which might explain why she doesn’t have the bad habits that a lot of the other troops have which also made her the best candidate. -She seems capable, and you’re confident you’ve made a good choice in picking a second." -"Chapter 3A2: For the Kingdom! +She seems capable, and you’re confident you’ve made a good choice in picking a second.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Chapter 3A2: For the Kingdom! Year 40 @@ -5265,8 +5265,8 @@ As for you, you make the gnolls earn every inch they step into the fort. The fir You hack down several of their number before suffering any major wounds. Even then, you continue to fight with the determination of ten men. The bodies of gnolls pile up, the blood is everywhere and you’ve just suffered an injury that should’ve rightfully killed you, but you continue to fight. All the anger you feel at this situation is being directed utterly towards the gnolls until it finally burns itself out and your body pushes itself past its limitations of physical exertion. -An axe cleaves into your skull, followed by another into your arm, severing it just enough to hang from a bit of tendon. You fall to your knees, then to the floor and that’s when you feel another axe to your back destroying your spine. A finally kick by a hefty boot to the face and the gibbering laughing howls of the gnolls is the last thing you hear." -"You can’t bring yourself to be some lawless mercenary like a svelk and you can’t fathom even trying to run your own piece of territory. You’re no ruler. You’re a warrior that currently has no direction or mission. The only chance to find purpose is to pledge yourself to another nation. Again, the only one you know of any note is the Felkan Kingdom. You only know a little about them based on the propaganda the Empire has told you as well as the brief conversation you had with Gerald when you temporarily reunited with him. +An axe cleaves into your skull, followed by another into your arm, severing it just enough to hang from a bit of tendon. You fall to your knees, then to the floor and that’s when you feel another axe to your back destroying your spine. A finally kick by a hefty boot to the face and the gibbering laughing howls of the gnolls is the last thing you hear.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You can’t bring yourself to be some lawless mercenary like a svelk and you can’t fathom even trying to run your own piece of territory. You’re no ruler. You’re a warrior that currently has no direction or mission. The only chance to find purpose is to pledge yourself to another nation. Again, the only one you know of any note is the Felkan Kingdom. You only know a little about them based on the propaganda the Empire has told you as well as the brief conversation you had with Gerald when you temporarily reunited with him. Technically the Empire is at peace with the Felkan Kingdom, but there are still skirmishes. Though nowdays it’s due to rogue Empire soldiers (and peasants too) becoming outright bandits rather than any patriotic reason. The Felkan Kingdom has been trying to keep out Empire refugees as well, which means you’ll probably just get turned around, if not outright fired upon. Still with shitty situation you’re in, getting shot doesn’t even seem like a bad option at this point @@ -5344,8 +5344,8 @@ Warrick begins to notice your silence, and then you quickly pick the conversatio “Yeah, I still feel a little odd about all this.” You say. “You’ll get used to it, and in time you’ll see that your efforts will be better appreciated here than they ever were in the Empire. Trust me, you’re on the winning team now.” -You just smile and nod at Warrick’s statement. While you don’t doubt that you’re on “the winning team” only time will tell if you will be truly appreciated." -"Year 35 +You just smile and nod at Warrick’s statement. While you don’t doubt that you’re on “the winning team” only time will tell if you will be truly appreciated.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 35 Another rebellion put down. You wipe your sword of blood and shake your head as you look around at the chaos. This is the Quala province, the very heartland of the Empire. You shouldn’t have to be trying to maintain order here only a few miles away from the capital itself. @@ -5434,7 +5434,7 @@ When you get to Brenda’s office you don’t bother beating around the bush and “What wasn’t?” “Leaving the Empire. I mean I certainly understand your reasons. I share them. Maybe not in the exact same way, but they are there. Hell I think in these dark times, everyone shares them. I dunno perhaps you just made that extra step that the rest of us here aren’t quite willing to make yet.” “What do you mean?” you ask. -“I mean everyone in this fort and probably the entire province would be for seceding from the Empire at this point. I think the only reason why nobody has done it yet or even rioted is due to way we run things here at Fort Glory. We found it much better by just letting people go about their business if we’re not threatening them all the time and actually defending them from real external threats. The only real problem here is the high taxes which the Empire imposes on this region, that of course tends to make people a little grumpy, but not quite enough to riot. They remember what this place used to be like after all."" +“I mean everyone in this fort and probably the entire province would be for seceding from the Empire at this point. I think the only reason why nobody has done it yet or even rioted is due to way we run things here at Fort Glory. We found it much better by just letting people go about their business if we’re not threatening them all the time and actually defending them from real external threats. The only real problem here is the high taxes which the Empire imposes on this region, that of course tends to make people a little grumpy, but not quite enough to riot. They remember what this place used to be like after all." “Not threatening people you say? That’s a pretty wild concept. Did you think that one up?” “Nah, the credit goes to Roldan, he was the first to suggest it. He probably would’ve made a better fort commander too and if he had been promoted instead of me, he might still be here…” “Brenda, okay you can’t think like that. If he’d been promoted then you’d probably be dead and…” @@ -5646,8 +5646,8 @@ Your throat and your entire insides feel like they’re on fire. If you were ill “YES DIE TYRANT! DIE FOR MAKING MY TRIBE SLAVES!” he screams before one of your soldiers cuts his throat. -It’s no victory though; your own life ends soon after as the mixture of poisons in your system shut down your body completely." -"Year 46 +It’s no victory though; your own life ends soon after as the mixture of poisons in your system shut down your body completely.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 46 It took longer than you expected, but you’ve at last tracked down the main lair of the Slin. They’ve stretched this little war out the longest, but this is where it’s going to end. @@ -5922,8 +5922,8 @@ Upon the realization of who killed your beloved Brenda, you don’t even get to Your deaths are blamed on an ambush by some of the disgruntled population of Nalin. To his credit, Edgar doesn’t believe the story and has the two Eternals executed for suspicion and incompetence. -It’s of minor consequence though, the real conspirators of this assassination remain uncaught and you’re still dead." -"You and Brenda might have a bit more on your mind now, but this is much more important. +It’s of minor consequence though, the real conspirators of this assassination remain uncaught and you’re still dead.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You and Brenda might have a bit more on your mind now, but this is much more important. “Brenda, I know emotions are running high right now, but I think we need to go meet Edgar. We can talk more about this later.” You say. “Yes. Yes, of course. We need to get back to business. I’ll be okay. This was silly anyway. Need to focus.” Brenda says standing back up and wiping her eyes. @@ -6358,8 +6358,8 @@ Your place in history is remembered best in the nation of Naleen, but as time go The nation of Naleen goes through various changes of government systems as decades pass by and you and Brenda ultimately become just “names” of past rulers and not much more than that. -Ultimately when it too ceases to be (Conquered by the great kobold/usksha alliance three hundred years later) you are forgotten altogether. Though the kobolds and usksha still stay far away from the graveyard ruins of your tomb, fearing it to be cursed and believing that disturbance will cause the vengeful spirits of the Eternals to rise up." -"Year 70 +Ultimately when it too ceases to be (Conquered by the great kobold/usksha alliance three hundred years later) you are forgotten altogether. Though the kobolds and usksha still stay far away from the graveyard ruins of your tomb, fearing it to be cursed and believing that disturbance will cause the vengeful spirits of the Eternals to rise up.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 70 It’s a calm night and you stand outside on the balcony of your palace and look down at the city of Adlen. Brenda comes out to join you. @@ -6479,8 +6479,8 @@ In time there probably isn’t a single citizen that hasn’t at least heard of An annoying side effect to be sure, but a predictable one. Executing them all would only prove their point of course, but you really don’t disagree with them in the first place. You and Brenda ARE relics of tyranny. In fact you stated as much in the book. You were created by a government obsessed with control and molded into Eternals to enforce that control. You can’t help what you are and you’re not going to apologize for any of your actions. -In any case, if it wasn’t this, you would’ve gotten protests about something, it’s been a while. Besides you have more than your share of intellectual defenders as well your loyal military, so you’re not worried about revolutions anytime soon." -"As much as you might like to help Warrick out, you just really aren’t in a position to do so on any meaningful level. Breaking your trade routes with the Eternal Dominion is just foolish. You tell Brenda you’ll break the news this time. +In any case, if it wasn’t this, you would’ve gotten protests about something, it’s been a while. Besides you have more than your share of intellectual defenders as well your loyal military, so you’re not worried about revolutions anytime soon.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>As much as you might like to help Warrick out, you just really aren’t in a position to do so on any meaningful level. Breaking your trade routes with the Eternal Dominion is just foolish. You tell Brenda you’ll break the news this time. You both enter the room where Warrick awaits your answer. @@ -6568,8 +6568,8 @@ You give a slight smile and nod. You and Brenda pack some equipment and take your leave of your rulership of Nalin. You don’t even bother assigning a successor or anything like that, you decide whoever wants it bad enough can hold it if they have the desire. You and Brenda head east and stick to the wilderness when traveling through old Nalin territory, eventually you pass through it and you’re exploring new land. Living off the land is quite easy for you and the freedom is a nice change of pace. After a few months, you don’t miss Nalin at all, and are just glad to be spending more quality time with Brenda. -In the years that follow the pair of you wander, seeing new sights and getting into a few skirmishes a long the way. Eventually the pair of you do settle down close to a small village in a far away land where you live out the remainder of your lives in complete obscurity and peace." -"Year 55 +In the years that follow the pair of you wander, seeing new sights and getting into a few skirmishes a long the way. Eventually the pair of you do settle down close to a small village in a far away land where you live out the remainder of your lives in complete obscurity and peace.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 55 You and Brenda now rule the nation of Nalin as a married couple. There has been some issue on what your official titles are now. The simplest choices would be emperor and empress or king and queen. Eventually Brenda settled for imperatrix, which would officially make you imperator, though you still go by general for the most part. @@ -6785,8 +6785,8 @@ You’re going to die here and that’s okay. You’ve had your last win and rea “Brenda, I’m coming to join you.” You say and close your eyes. -You never wake up." -"Year 60 +You never wake up.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 60 “Fort Glory has fallen sir.” A disheveled messenger tells you while you look over a map of Nalin in your tent. “Doesn’t matter, it was no longer a priority anymore.” You say not looking up. @@ -6853,8 +6853,8 @@ You crawl for a moment and that’s when you start to hear something again. You feel several hands turn you around and your staff is intent on forcibly putting you on the stretcher. You don’t bother struggling because that’s when through your damaged hearing that you hear a distinct whistling sound. -“Brenda, I...” You say before the explosive cannon ball wipes you all out." -"“Kill these fucking deserters and get me to the medic.” You say. +“Brenda, I...” You say before the explosive cannon ball wipes you all out.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“Kill these fucking deserters and get me to the medic.” You say. The screams of the belzak deserters begging for their lives and death squeals fall on deaf ears…or rather ear as the case may be now. @@ -7108,8 +7108,8 @@ You gaze upon the single impressive platinum throne at the back and approach it. You then look up at the empty throne. -“I have restored the Empire. I have restored its glory. I will take my place with you soon.” You say and then pass out, never to wake up." -"You left the Empire behind because you no longer believed in it. Nalin has become a kind of substitute for it though and ever since Brenda died, you’ve tried to make it even more like the Empire. This may be the closest you’re going to get back to the “good old days” and with age ever creeping up on you, you need to make the best of things and not wallow in indecision or hesitation. You’re the last of the real Eternals and you’re going to act as such. +“I have restored the Empire. I have restored its glory. I will take my place with you soon.” You say and then pass out, never to wake up.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You left the Empire behind because you no longer believed in it. Nalin has become a kind of substitute for it though and ever since Brenda died, you’ve tried to make it even more like the Empire. This may be the closest you’re going to get back to the “good old days” and with age ever creeping up on you, you need to make the best of things and not wallow in indecision or hesitation. You’re the last of the real Eternals and you’re going to act as such. Nalin WILL become the new Empire. @@ -7309,8 +7309,8 @@ Still, every once in awhile various savage tribes stumble upon your weathered br It is hardly surprising that eventually one of these savages found inspiration in these statues to forge her own empire. -Such is the cycle of things." -"Year 75 +Such is the cycle of things.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 75 Another day of aches and pains, getting old sucks. @@ -7389,8 +7389,8 @@ You look at her with a completely serious expression, one of annoyance actually. “You’re probably right, but in our case we’re doing it for the greater good!” you laugh. -As your laugher can be heard throughout the quiet halls of the palace, somehow it brings a little joy to the Silent Ones. Your happiness brings them happiness." -"Year 56 +As your laugher can be heard throughout the quiet halls of the palace, somehow it brings a little joy to the Silent Ones. Your happiness brings them happiness.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 56 “Sir, you want us to completely wipe out all settlements with the plague?” Colonel Gemma asks. “That’s what I said isn’t it? I’ve already assigned all the medics, healers and hedge wizards in the land to focus on the less affected areas. As for those places really bad off kill all the people, cleanse the area with fire, no more problem.” @@ -7415,8 +7415,8 @@ So you pack up some of your belongings and leave. You don’t bother even tellin In the years that follow you wander, seeing new sights and getting into a few skirmishes a long the way. Sometimes you genuinely attempt to find a place where you feel comfortable, but it just never happens and you continue your wandering. -While you continue to feel the ravages of old age always creeping up on you, you stubbornly refuse to submit to them. Ever the warrior, you eventually meet your end in battle with a group of opportunistic svelk bandits." -"Year 56 +While you continue to feel the ravages of old age always creeping up on you, you stubbornly refuse to submit to them. Ever the warrior, you eventually meet your end in battle with a group of opportunistic svelk bandits.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 56 “Sir, you want us to completely wipe out all settlements with the plague?” Colonel Gemma asks. “That’s what I said isn’t it? I’ve already assigned all the medics, healers and hedge wizards in the land to focus on the less affected areas. As for those places really bad off kill all the people, cleanse the area with fire, no more problem.” @@ -7439,8 +7439,8 @@ From all accounts Cynthia had a very average upbringing, though it would appear Actually you’ve never really known Cynthia on a personal level, but you’ve known her to be a competent soldier and later officer. Though currently a colonel, in some ways she’s still a little “unready” than her position would suggest, as she has risen through some of the ranks due to the older officers retiring or dying off. Still, she’s served with distinction during the tribal wars in the east and has kept on top of the bandit rings that sometimes still pop up and you wouldn’t have suggested her promotions if you didn’t think she could handle it. -She’s always been a little too eager to please at times, but you really can’t fault her for being loyal." -"Chapter 3A3: Remnant +She’s always been a little too eager to please at times, but you really can’t fault her for being loyal.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Chapter 3A3: Remnant Year 45 @@ -7710,8 +7710,8 @@ Many believe you both died in the desert eventually succumbing to the heat and y A few believe you managed to make it through and made a new life with each other in a far away land. -What ultimately happened to you and Brenda is unknown and lost to time." -"Year 48 +What ultimately happened to you and Brenda is unknown and lost to time.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 48 “We can’t take anymore forces off the northern borders you know that!” Brenda says. “I know that better than anyone, but we’re making progress against those barbarians in the east. I just need a company…” @@ -7773,8 +7773,8 @@ You and your men fight your way into the cave entrance, several large Slin come As more Slin run towards your position, you look around and see you’re the last of your company left. You don’t understand what went wrong. You’ve been in worse situations, you’ve survived worse conditions, how is it that you’re losing and on the verge of death? -In your last moments you see your loss as not your failure, but those around you for not being as strong as you. It hardly matters in the end as the Slin still put your skull as a trophy along side the rest of the “weaklings” they killed." -"You can’t bring yourself to be some like the svelk and be mercenary scum who have no other goals than to earn coin. By the same token you’re not going to pledge yourself to yet another government that will probably be just as corrupt and decadent as the one you just left. Maybe in a way, Kane was right. He was obviously suffering a mental breakdown as well as being manipulated, but the concept of forming your own nation would be the surest way to ‘get it right.” You could run things the way they SHOULD be. +In your last moments you see your loss as not your failure, but those around you for not being as strong as you. It hardly matters in the end as the Slin still put your skull as a trophy along side the rest of the “weaklings” they killed.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You can’t bring yourself to be some like the svelk and be mercenary scum who have no other goals than to earn coin. By the same token you’re not going to pledge yourself to yet another government that will probably be just as corrupt and decadent as the one you just left. Maybe in a way, Kane was right. He was obviously suffering a mental breakdown as well as being manipulated, but the concept of forming your own nation would be the surest way to ‘get it right.” You could run things the way they SHOULD be. The question is where to start? You’d need at least an army to conquer anything and right now you don’t really have that. You’re sure you could probably get those “new eternals” to follow you, but there still isn’t enough of them even if you were inclined to subject yourself to the torture of futility. Regular soldiers would probably follow you, but nowadays they’re so scattered that you’d literally have to travel all over most of the Empire to collect them, not to mention all the fighting you’d have to do during this state of anarchy. The only place you can think of is the Nalin province. It’s virtually the one place still left in the empire that isn’t suffering outright revolts, though the citizens are reportedly still severely disgruntled, Brenda is also there in command of Fort Glory. Perhaps she’ll see the wisdom of your plan and help you, if that’s the case you should be able to pull it off. @@ -7808,7 +7808,7 @@ When you get to Brenda’s office you don’t bother beating around the bush and “What wasn’t?” “Leaving the Empire. I mean I certainly understand your reasons. I share them. Maybe not in the exact same way, but they are there. Hell I think in these dark times, everyone shares them. I dunno perhaps you just made that extra step that the rest of us here aren’t quite willing to make yet.” “What do you mean?” you ask. -“I mean everyone in this fort and probably the entire province would be for seceding from the Empire at this point. I think the only reason why nobody has done it yet or even rioted is due to way we run things here at Fort Glory. We found it much better by just letting people go about their business if we’re not threatening them all the time and actually defending them from real external threats. The only real problem here is the high taxes which the Empire imposes on this region, that of course tends to make people a little grumpy, but not quite enough to riot. They remember what this place used to be like after all."" +“I mean everyone in this fort and probably the entire province would be for seceding from the Empire at this point. I think the only reason why nobody has done it yet or even rioted is due to way we run things here at Fort Glory. We found it much better by just letting people go about their business if we’re not threatening them all the time and actually defending them from real external threats. The only real problem here is the high taxes which the Empire imposes on this region, that of course tends to make people a little grumpy, but not quite enough to riot. They remember what this place used to be like after all." “Not threatening people you say? That’s a pretty wild concept. Did you think that one up?” “Nah, the credit goes to Roldan, he was the first to suggest it. He probably would’ve made a better fort commander too and if he had been promoted instead of me, he might still be here…” “Brenda, okay you can’t think like that. If he’d been promoted then you’d probably be dead and…” @@ -7852,8 +7852,8 @@ There is a long pause before Brenda continues the conversation Brenda smiles at you and you return the gesture. -You feel sort of funny about it, but you briefly wonder if you had still been stationed here instead of Roldan, would you and Brenda gotten together?" -"From the trajectory of the bolt, the assassin is in front and probably was trying to hit you instead of Gerald. You immediately run for the nearest tree as several more bolts whiz past you. +You feel sort of funny about it, but you briefly wonder if you had still been stationed here instead of Roldan, would you and Brenda gotten together?<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>From the trajectory of the bolt, the assassin is in front and probably was trying to hit you instead of Gerald. You immediately run for the nearest tree as several more bolts whiz past you. When you reach the tree two Shadow Guards jump down from it and attempt to stab you. You kick one in the groin as hard as you can, while deflecting the blow of the other with your sword. You dodge another attack by falling to the ground and chopping the shadow at one of his legs, nearly hacking it off. When he falls in agony you finish him off with your sword. @@ -7954,8 +7954,8 @@ The past few days have seemed surreal, like nothing is making as much sense anym I’m going to stop writing now, because I think I’m getting off focus of the important topic at hand and that’s Roldan. I’ll close this letter with letting you know that in his last moments he spoke fondly of you, and that he loved you. -We should all be so lucky to have something so certain in life and actually have it last." -"Year 30 +We should all be so lucky to have something so certain in life and actually have it last.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 30 “This place won’t be the same without you sir. I don’t know how I’ll be able to run this place as well as you.” Lieutenant Verant says as you finish packing your things. “You’ll do fine lieutenant, or should I say captain. You’ll probably get an official promotion soon. Just remember, when the citizens protest I’ve found that flogging one family with children at random keeps the rest in line. Can’t really afford to execute them like we did in the old days, too many ogre attacks already doing a good job of that. Well at least you don’t need to worry about the giants as much anymore.” @@ -8051,8 +8051,8 @@ It is at this point, he pulls out some sort of odd round plant and screams somet “It’s already done Eternal!” he laughs and then you are both engulfed in an explosion and blown several feet from where you were, though only part of you. -What remains of your body is scattered in pieces along the road of Sinkhole. You actually manage to live a few more seconds to see the images of what you presume to be Roldan and Gerald running out of the tavern, then everything goes dark." -"Year 30 +What remains of your body is scattered in pieces along the road of Sinkhole. You actually manage to live a few more seconds to see the images of what you presume to be Roldan and Gerald running out of the tavern, then everything goes dark.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 30 “This place won’t be the same without you sir. I don’t know how I’ll be able to run this place as well as you.” Lieutenant Verant says as you finish packing your things. “You’ll do fine lieutenant, or should I say captain. You’ll probably get an official promotion soon. Just remember, when the citizens protest I’ve found that flogging one family with children at random keeps the rest in line. Can’t really afford to execute them like we did in the old days, too many ogre attacks already doing a good job of that. Well at least you don’t need to worry about the giants as much anymore.” @@ -8180,8 +8180,8 @@ Gerald makes a remark to Roldan that maybe Rask has shitty mail service, and the “What?” “Teamwork, cooperation, greater good, its all bullshit. In the end it’s just about survival and who crosses that finish line between life and death last is the winner. Just sucks about those last laps though when you’re practically crawling towards it just to get the shit over with.” Gruz says taking another drink. -You aren’t exactly sure what Gruz is going on about, but you’re getting the impression that he’s had more than enough to drink. You decide that you all need to start wrapping up this little get together soon so you can concentrate better at the true task at hand." -"“We can’t leave yet, we have to take care of Kane and Cyrus.” You say. +You aren’t exactly sure what Gruz is going on about, but you’re getting the impression that he’s had more than enough to drink. You decide that you all need to start wrapping up this little get together soon so you can concentrate better at the true task at hand.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“We can’t leave yet, we have to take care of Kane and Cyrus.” You say. “What? You don’t think it wouldn’t be a better idea to escape and then come back with an army or something?” Edgar replies “It would be preferable yes, but by that time they’ll be entrenched and possibly already on the move with their own army of giants, ogres and orcs. That’s less likely to happen without Kane or Cyrus here.” “You don’t think someone else will take their place?” @@ -8255,8 +8255,8 @@ You don’t have time to check on Edgar or anything else when you feel several b “I have to say this probably worked out a whole lot better this way. With Kane out of the way, perhaps we can use these orcs to our more direct advantage after all.” You hear Cyrus remark as several Shadow Guards circle around you. -“Don’t expect to wake up from this one.” Is the last thing you hear before another bolt goes into your skull." -"Chapter 2A: For The Empire! +“Don’t expect to wake up from this one.” Is the last thing you hear before another bolt goes into your skull.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Chapter 2A: For The Empire! @@ -8387,8 +8387,8 @@ You attempt to crawl away, but you’re coughing up blood and already breathing “Baby throwing…I gotta admit that was a good one. A worthy tactic of even a svelk. It’s almost a shame I had to kill you. You weren’t bad for a monkey, but I got a reputation to maintain among my own men. Just business, nothing personal. Well okay, maybe it is a little personal.” -You grab at her leg while she gloats, your grip is strong enough that she has to hack your arm off before she can get her foot away. You lose consciousness just before Edolith announces the gleeful massacre of the remaining elven women and children." -"“I’ve had to work around those svelk for a while now. If they’re going to help us attack the elves, it might be a good idea for me to go on that one so I can keep an eye on them, captain.” You say. +You grab at her leg while she gloats, your grip is strong enough that she has to hack your arm off before she can get her foot away. You lose consciousness just before Edolith announces the gleeful massacre of the remaining elven women and children.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“I’ve had to work around those svelk for a while now. If they’re going to help us attack the elves, it might be a good idea for me to go on that one so I can keep an eye on them, captain.” You say. “Yes, you do have a reputation even among those shifty bastards, though they’d never admit it. Okay, sounds good. I shall send another officer to lead the mission against the Wendigo tribe. I may even just go along on that mission.” Captain Krozer replies. “You are captain?” “Yes, I find that I’ve been getting stuck behind the desk too much lately. It’ll be good to be back out in the field. Don’t want to become like one of those fat self-important generals that do nothing except point to maps and make equally fat musings on tactics. A true leader should lead from the front, I’m sure you agree.” @@ -8554,8 +8554,8 @@ The wendigos deprived themselves of food for far too long though and over the pa You see what few men you have left get slaughtered below before struggling against two more wendigos of your own. You shove your sword through a wendigo’s heart while trying to ignore the pain of it sinking its teeth into your flesh. Despite swiveling your head around as much as you can to see all your opponents, you feel a heavy blow to your back and claws ripping through your armor. You’re then thrown from the walkway and to the ground. -You try to get back up as quick as you can and then foot to the face prevents you from doing so. Your weapon is ripped from your hand and another foot comes down on top of your head cracking your skull. The internal bleeding in your brain causes a delirious effect for one moment and then you pass out forever before the wendigos feat upon your body." -"This still feels off to you, no your company isn’t going to scatter themselves looking for odd colored rocks, the dark elves first found this place they can do the leg work. Edolith of course is annoyed that you aren’t going to help and for a moment she almost says if you’re not going to participate in the search then they aren’t either. However it’s quite clear her desire to put more of her kin to the sword is a lot stronger than defying you, she throws up her hands, mumbles something about you being scared monkeys and orders all of her men to start searching the area. You tell your own men to set themselves up in a defensive perimeter, so just in case this is still an ambush, you’re at least no going to get caught off guard and have a weak point open. About an hour passes and one of the dark elves finds the rock with a hidden door in the ground nearby. +You try to get back up as quick as you can and then foot to the face prevents you from doing so. Your weapon is ripped from your hand and another foot comes down on top of your head cracking your skull. The internal bleeding in your brain causes a delirious effect for one moment and then you pass out forever before the wendigos feat upon your body.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>This still feels off to you, no your company isn’t going to scatter themselves looking for odd colored rocks, the dark elves first found this place they can do the leg work. Edolith of course is annoyed that you aren’t going to help and for a moment she almost says if you’re not going to participate in the search then they aren’t either. However it’s quite clear her desire to put more of her kin to the sword is a lot stronger than defying you, she throws up her hands, mumbles something about you being scared monkeys and orders all of her men to start searching the area. You tell your own men to set themselves up in a defensive perimeter, so just in case this is still an ambush, you’re at least no going to get caught off guard and have a weak point open. About an hour passes and one of the dark elves finds the rock with a hidden door in the ground nearby. “Well we found it, some of my more enthusiastic men have taken it upon themselves to head down there already. Just as well considering you monkeys can’t see in the dark.” Edolith says to you. @@ -8664,8 +8664,8 @@ Captain Krozer stands over you, though you know it can’t be her. “Y..you are not th…the captain…” you say. “You would be correct Eternal, however she did mention before her mind was absorbed that you would stop us. Good thing her mind was so full of strategies and tactics for me to impliment. I think it really was time for us to update our way of life anyway. Can’t stagnate and remain in barbaric bodies forever. I would have you just us…but in your current state, well I just don’t think you would be as effective anymore. A shame, your body would’ve provided as an excellent host. Oh well I still should be able to enjoy the succulent life blood from your heart.” -The last thing you see is the inhuman face of whatever it is inhabiting Krozer’s body as it reaches into your chest to pull out your still beating heart." -"Marching into the desert without a grand plan other than simple slaughter isn’t much of a plan. The usksha are nomads anyway, you’d never be able to catch all of them in their home turf. +The last thing you see is the inhuman face of whatever it is inhabiting Krozer’s body as it reaches into your chest to pull out your still beating heart.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Marching into the desert without a grand plan other than simple slaughter isn’t much of a plan. The usksha are nomads anyway, you’d never be able to catch all of them in their home turf. “No, I believe we’ve taken care of the major problem, but I think you should stay here and oversee the safety of this town now. We’ll head back to Fort Glory and report the situation.” You tell Delan. @@ -8766,8 +8766,8 @@ Several vicious barbarian tribes live here some of which carry various “condit The military presence is strong here, but isn’t as well supported like it should be and as a result it can only do so much. Svelk mercs are usually used to bolster the ranks a bit, but they’re not something the various fort commanders like to use. There are even a few battle mages, elite orc troops and Shadow Guard stationed here, though they are mostly further north where the ogres and giants are the problem. -Another problem is the citizens themselves, for whatever reason the citizens in Rask tend to have a more independent mindset. Many that live here see themselves as pioneers taming the land despite the fact that if it wasn’t for the Empire, most of them would’ve been massacred, raped, or eaten by now. In any event, they’re more likely to openly criticize the government and its gotten to the point where most of the military barely bothers to do anything about it. They’ve got so many other concerns that unless the plebes are openly rioting, a few mouthy peasants don’t even rank on the countless list of dangers in Rask." -"Year 16 +Another problem is the citizens themselves, for whatever reason the citizens in Rask tend to have a more independent mindset. Many that live here see themselves as pioneers taming the land despite the fact that if it wasn’t for the Empire, most of them would’ve been massacred, raped, or eaten by now. In any event, they’re more likely to openly criticize the government and its gotten to the point where most of the military barely bothers to do anything about it. They’ve got so many other concerns that unless the plebes are openly rioting, a few mouthy peasants don’t even rank on the countless list of dangers in Rask.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 16 You are called into Captain Gruz’s office, when you arrive you see the well dress man that you saw four years ago standing with him… and debating with him again. @@ -8907,8 +8907,8 @@ The next morning, you and Kane are taken from your cells and marched to the gall Kane continues to remain silent. You are slightly more verbal. -“Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empire!” you shout before the lever is pulled and your neck snaps like a twig." -"Despite your desire to go on an official mission, you feel that it would be worse to leave one of your team members behind, especially what would lie in store for him. +“Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empire!” you shout before the lever is pulled and your neck snaps like a twig.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Despite your desire to go on an official mission, you feel that it would be worse to leave one of your team members behind, especially what would lie in store for him. “I will not leave a member of my team behind. We need to be together to produce the best results, captain.” “I see. Well, we’ll see how true that is when you’re all cleaning out the toilets. You’re on clean up detail until further notice. That will be all.” Pollo says in a perturbed tone. @@ -9008,8 +9008,8 @@ As you hide behind a rock, trying to figure out how you’re going to actually g Then sounds of inhuman high pitched giggling fill your ears. It’s another kobold ambush! The little fuckers must’ve been hiding in the mud and dirt nearby waiting for their own time to strike. -You see several approach you, while others go off to engage the usksha, but you know your role in this is over. Your eyes close and are just glad your last moments were fighting for the Empire." -"Year 16 +You see several approach you, while others go off to engage the usksha, but you know your role in this is over. Your eyes close and are just glad your last moments were fighting for the Empire.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 16 You are called into Captain Gruz’s office, when you arrive you see the well dress man that you saw four years ago standing with him… and debating with him again. @@ -9083,8 +9083,8 @@ Roldan, like Warrick doesn’t stand out in any meaningful way, however he does Kane is probably the best warrior in the team besides you. Mistress pitted him against you in your first match as well. After you incapacitated Gerald, Kane nearly beat you, but you managed to pull out a victory. (Much to Mistress’ dismay) Since that first victory, Kane and you have had several sparring sessions. Most of the time you won, but there were times when he did. Every time he did though, he would always ask if you were okay. Outside of these sessions, he has always been very respectful of you. You might even consider him to be your second, but he tends to stay in the back even more than Warrick and takes no initiative on anything unless directly called upon. He barely speaks to anyone, has a rather distant demeanor towards everyone else and he keeps to himself even more than you do. Still, he works well in the team when the time comes and nobody can doubt his combat skills. -Edgar is your “problem” teammate with fiery red hair and an equally fiery temper. He’s always been a little more emotional than the rest of you though that doesn’t detract from his combat skills, which rank up there with Kane’s though unlike Kane, he’s never beaten you, but oh boy would he like to. Edgar would like to do a lot of things; one of those things is be the leader. He borders on insubordination at times and is probably the most outspoken of the group and will be the first one to point out flaws in something even if he turns out to be wrong (which he usually is). He also is an arrogant braggart that boasts about his abilities or successes whenever they arise. Unsurprisingly, he tends to rub everyone else the wrong way and if there is ever a major disagreement on the team, he’s usually the center of it. However, he can back up most of his boasts and is more than willing to prove himself and is not a coward in any sense of the word. Your own opinion of him is that he would be a much better warrior, and possibly could be a leader if he became more disciplined, a LOT more disciplined. You’re guessing his short stature (only Brenda is shorter) is part of what makes him behave the way he does." -"Year 16 +Edgar is your “problem” teammate with fiery red hair and an equally fiery temper. He’s always been a little more emotional than the rest of you though that doesn’t detract from his combat skills, which rank up there with Kane’s though unlike Kane, he’s never beaten you, but oh boy would he like to. Edgar would like to do a lot of things; one of those things is be the leader. He borders on insubordination at times and is probably the most outspoken of the group and will be the first one to point out flaws in something even if he turns out to be wrong (which he usually is). He also is an arrogant braggart that boasts about his abilities or successes whenever they arise. Unsurprisingly, he tends to rub everyone else the wrong way and if there is ever a major disagreement on the team, he’s usually the center of it. However, he can back up most of his boasts and is more than willing to prove himself and is not a coward in any sense of the word. Your own opinion of him is that he would be a much better warrior, and possibly could be a leader if he became more disciplined, a LOT more disciplined. You’re guessing his short stature (only Brenda is shorter) is part of what makes him behave the way he does.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 16 You are called into Captain Gruz’s office, when you arrive you see the well dress man that you saw four years ago standing with him… and debating with him again. @@ -9148,8 +9148,8 @@ Due to its lack of importance, lack of “serious” problems and remoteness, on The major problem that the Nalin province suffers is mainly the kobolds that infest the area. Citizens have complained, but nothing has really been done to eradicate the problem. Without a concentrated effort to root them out, they’ll always be a menace and while they may be small they are can do a lot of damage in large numbers, and that always seems to be the case. -Other than kobolds, the only other common problem is with bandits, but lately there has been another threat coming from the desert. Odd nomads that ride lizard mounts have been sighted more and more on the edges of the desert and Nalin. There haven’t been many encounters, but the few there have been, have been hostile. Why they have been wandering from their desert is unknown, but they’ll be a bigger problem than kobolds if more of them decide to make sort of mass migration." -"The pain is great and you want it to be over with as quickly as possible so you cry out and scream for mercy to Mistress. To this, she merely laughs cruelly and continues to step on your chest. +Other than kobolds, the only other common problem is with bandits, but lately there has been another threat coming from the desert. Odd nomads that ride lizard mounts have been sighted more and more on the edges of the desert and Nalin. There haven’t been many encounters, but the few there have been, have been hostile. Why they have been wandering from their desert is unknown, but they’ll be a bigger problem than kobolds if more of them decide to make sort of mass migration.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>The pain is great and you want it to be over with as quickly as possible so you cry out and scream for mercy to Mistress. To this, she merely laughs cruelly and continues to step on your chest. “Ha ha ha ha! If this was a real fight do you think an enemy would should you mercy? You truly are pathetic, how did the Empire ever decide that YOU would be a worthy candidate to be an Eternal? Begging for your wretched life as if it was important. It isn’t. Your life is nothing! ALL of your lives are nothing! Your lives will never be anything more than warm bodies to serve the Emperor! The question is, will you even be able to live up to that honored status? The answer is no, if you do not learn mercy is for the weak. Remember this.” @@ -9215,8 +9215,8 @@ Captain Gruz is a very rare orc in that he’s brighter than most of his kind. H During his training sessions, he always speaks highly of the Empire and of the Emperor and always reminds you all of your own duty to them both. He also has a tendency to tell tales of past battles he has had as examples to follow or to learn from. You don’t know about the rest of your class, but you find these tales fascinating. You know he must love to fight with how he tells these tales, and you also know he must be a great warrior. All of which makes you wonder why he isn’t still on the battlefield. -Still, it isn’t your place to question such things." -"Year 5 +Still, it isn’t your place to question such things.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 5 You are sitting in a gray room at a desk with several other children your age. All of you glance at each other a lot and it is obvious that there is much curiosity, but nobody speaks. This is very unusual for you, up until now, you have only had minimal contact with others. Most of them are male like you, but a few of them are female. @@ -9393,8 +9393,8 @@ During this momentary retreat into your own thoughts, a large rumbling is heard. You’re disorientated, tired, freezing and slowly suffocating, but with determination, you manage to dig yourself out. You look around to find Baily, but apparently he was killed immediately or didn’t have the strength to dig himself out. It’s too bad, because you could’ve used his help when you see several giants now advancing on your position, though perhaps it wouldn’t have mattered. -You know that this is most likely going to be your last battle. You draw your sword and walk towards the giants. It will be a good death, but your only regret is that you will not survive to serve the Empire for longer than you would’ve liked." -"Year 16 +You know that this is most likely going to be your last battle. You draw your sword and walk towards the giants. It will be a good death, but your only regret is that you will not survive to serve the Empire for longer than you would’ve liked.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 16 You and four of your fellow Eternals stand once again before Brother Gray this time though he is joined by another one of his fellow shadows. This man is almost indistinguishable from Brother Gray, similar robe, head covering hood, the only thing really different about him is that he’s slightly taller. @@ -9550,8 +9550,8 @@ You aren’t dead yet, but you soon will be. Talia, stands far enough away from Talia’s voice quivers a bit, like she’s genuinely upset about having to kill you. You didn’t expect that, maybe it will cause her to question her priorities now. Perhaps your actions here have accomplish something after all and the seed of chaos has been planted to destroy the Shadow Guard from the inside before they can carry out whatever plans to betray the Empire. -You comfort yourself with these thoughts as you pass from this world." -"You want to live so much that nothing else matters to you, and no matter how much it sickens you utter “I…I will serve you…” with great effort. +You comfort yourself with these thoughts as you pass from this world.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You want to live so much that nothing else matters to you, and no matter how much it sickens you utter “I…I will serve you…” with great effort. “Yes, you will serve, but do you mean it? I don’t think so. You’re lying to survive this encounter. This is interesting. I was correct in that you are not as rigid as your fellows. If you are willing to risk lying to me in an attempt to save your life, then you are possibly willing to do ANYTHING to save your own life…that means there is still hope for you. I’d advise you though, do not wait too long to pick a side, otherwise you may find that even your will to survive won’t be enough to save you. The feeling of oppression leaves you, and it’s instead replaced by a surge of pain jolting through your body. You’d probably cry out if you could, instead you suffer in silence. @@ -10202,8 +10202,8 @@ The woman…the queen as you come to learn is quite upset with you killing her h The queen puts you through a long list of agonizing tortures; she never does get the satisfaction of hearing you scream though. She begins to get angrier, which would cause you to laugh if you weren’t suffering in silence. The suffering you feel isn’t from the torture though, it’s from the fact that you only half completed your mission. You can only hope that your deeds will be enough for the Empire to bring down the shadows and the Felkan Kingdom. It will have to be. -Eventually, the queen tires of torturing you and orders her men to put an end to your misery by slitting your throat." -"This is a perfect time to get Dusk alone, so you immediately volunteer. +Eventually, the queen tires of torturing you and orders her men to put an end to your misery by slitting your throat.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>This is a perfect time to get Dusk alone, so you immediately volunteer. “I’ll go, unless you’d prefer someone else.” You say. “No, you’ll do. Come on, we’re going around to the other side, as for the rest of you, wait about five minutes before scaling that wall, afterwards, I leave you to use your best judgment on how to handle things. May Dendrin’s shadow keep you safe.” @@ -10428,8 +10428,8 @@ Maybe if you’d been thinking more clearly and weren’t still a little scatter You feel the piercing pain of the first bolt going into your back, followed by three more. You collapse to the muddy ground attempting to crawl away. You even try to use your shadow magic, but as fate would have it, it doesn’t work. It would appear Dendrin’s “favor” has been finally taken away. You’re left with the question to as why now of all times and there are several answers that pop into your head, but the only one that comforts you is that perhaps he finally lost all power due to losing all his followers. -You’ll never know of course, just like you’ll never know if the svelk will be punished for killing you when the next bolt goes into your skull." -"Year 25 +You’ll never know of course, just like you’ll never know if the svelk will be punished for killing you when the next bolt goes into your skull.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 25 “Good work on destroying another shadow cell, the sooner we get them all, the sooner we can focus all our attention on the Felkan Kingdom.” “I agree sir, especially since I would like to be involved in the conquest of the Felkans.” @@ -10627,8 +10627,8 @@ Your speech is followed by several soldiers restraining you, though it’s hardl And with those words, Mr. Mol makes a nodding gesture and you feel several blades go into your body repeatedly. You don’t even feel the pain; you just put your mind in another place to numb yourself. One of those shadow tricks you learned. You guess perhaps it is better that you die if you’re still using such things. Maybe Dendrin was playing a sick waiting game with you. Well it won’t work and Cyrus was wrong too. You do know something of love. You love the Empire and the Emperor and that’s why you’ll willingly die for them. -“Long live…the Em…pire…” you say and then expire." -"As much as you’d like to get this over with and put an end to Cyrus once and for all, you aren’t putting your faith in svelk recon. You’ll some of your own spying and if you even need them, you’ll enlist their help. +“Long live…the Em…pire…” you say and then expire.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>As much as you’d like to get this over with and put an end to Cyrus once and for all, you aren’t putting your faith in svelk recon. You’ll some of your own spying and if you even need them, you’ll enlist their help. When you ask Tyren where the temple is so you can do your own spying, he says that you’re just wasting your time and likely to just give your element of surprise away if you linger and insist on this foolishness. He doesn’t really care though since he’s getting paid either way, so he gives you the information. @@ -10689,8 +10689,8 @@ Your first instinct is to speed yourself up to get out of the temple, but you fi > Move the rubble There’s no time to go searching for another exit, the whole place is probably going to collapse. You start moving rocks as fast as you can as the roof continues to tumble down. Unfortunately you’re not quick enough and while your attention is divided, you don’t evade the rest of the ceiling that crashes on your head. Buried under several pounds debris you begin to lose consciousness. -“No…can’t die…not in this accursed place.” are your last words." -"Year 25 +“No…can’t die…not in this accursed place.” are your last words.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 25 “Good work on destroying another shadow cell, the sooner we get them all, the sooner we can focus all our attention on the Felkan Kingdom.” “I agree sir, especially since I would like to be involved in the conquest of the Felkans.” @@ -10766,8 +10766,8 @@ Though maybe its best you hadn't been assigned as a soldier or else the shadow p Yes, your journey thus far while not an easy one, is one you can feel a sense of accomplishment in. You sit back and relax for the rest of the carriage ride, knowing that your deeds have probably prevented the Empire from plunging into mass riots or even rebellion. -It fills you with pride and a little happiness that you have served it and the Emperor so well. You can only hope to serve with such distinction in the future." -"Too complicated and too much can go wrong. It’ll probably be better to just play it by ear. You’re fairly confident that so much will be going on that you’ll be able to pull it off. +It fills you with pride and a little happiness that you have served it and the Emperor so well. You can only hope to serve with such distinction in the future.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Too complicated and too much can go wrong. It’ll probably be better to just play it by ear. You’re fairly confident that so much will be going on that you’ll be able to pull it off. The next part of the journey is your first big step. Crossing into Felkan territory. This is actually very easy. The outposts aren’t nearly as well guarded as they should be and combined with sticking to the wilderness and using magic to cloak yourself and its incredibly simple. The five of you camp out in a secluded wood where Sister Dusk addresses the situation. @@ -10823,33 +10823,33 @@ Eventually the five of you are just outside the palace walls of where you presum Well it looks like your original plan of trying to split up the group is going to come true after all, the question is do you want to take care of Dusk first or whoever decides to be on the second team? > Stay silent -Dusk could pick you anyway, so there really isn't any need to volunteer. You're still going to have to find the king, kill him and the rest of the shadows regardless of who you're ""working"" with. +Dusk could pick you anyway, so there really isn't any need to volunteer. You're still going to have to find the king, kill him and the rest of the shadows regardless of who you're "working" with. Dusk ends up picking Talia and tells you, Bianca, and Murk to wait five minutes before scaling the wall after they leave to head to the other side. She then tells you she trusts you to use your best judgment on things. Killing Bianca and Murk should be too hard without Dusk or Talia here, the pair of their combat skills are nowhere near your own. The hard part will be tracking down the king. -Within the five minutes you wait, you see Murk fail to impress Bianca as usual with his wooing attempts. You can't believe he'd waste his time on the eve of such of an important mission. As you see him fail for the umpteenth you have no idea why you ever considered him your ""friend."" He's an idiot even in the hierarchy of the shadows. +Within the five minutes you wait, you see Murk fail to impress Bianca as usual with his wooing attempts. You can't believe he'd waste his time on the eve of such of an important mission. As you see him fail for the umpteenth you have no idea why you ever considered him your "friend." He's an idiot even in the hierarchy of the shadows. -""Why the hell did they even pick him?"" you wonder. +"Why the hell did they even pick him?" you wonder. Maybe it's a lot of built up rage, hatred and other bad thoughts you've been keeping under wraps for years, but you can't help but continue to feel disgust for Murk. -""Okay, I think about five minutes have passed. We should get going."" Murk suggests. -""Might as well, I'm not here to watch you bumble around all night trying to impress Bianca who obviously isn't interested in you and never will be."" You say. +"Okay, I think about five minutes have passed. We should get going." Murk suggests. +"Might as well, I'm not here to watch you bumble around all night trying to impress Bianca who obviously isn't interested in you and never will be." You say. -There's a momentary silence and both Bianca and Murk give a look of surprise to the fact that you've said something so direct concerning their ""relationship."" +There's a momentary silence and both Bianca and Murk give a look of surprise to the fact that you've said something so direct concerning their "relationship." -""I…we…we'll speak on this later."" Murk says and starts to cast his spider walk spell. -""No, we really won't."" you reply and cast your speed spell. You raise your armbow and hit Bianca with a bolt to her throat. She falls helplessly attempting to gurgle a spell. Murk, sees this tries to cancel his current spell to match your speed, but he isn't fast enough. You draw two daggers and impale him several times with them before he even hits the ground. +"I…we…we'll speak on this later." Murk says and starts to cast his spider walk spell. +"No, we really won't." you reply and cast your speed spell. You raise your armbow and hit Bianca with a bolt to her throat. She falls helplessly attempting to gurgle a spell. Murk, sees this tries to cancel his current spell to match your speed, but he isn't fast enough. You draw two daggers and impale him several times with them before he even hits the ground. -You think he tries to ask you ""why?"" before he dies, but you aren't really sure because you're too busy driving your daggers into his skull for the kill at the time. After dealing with Murk, you go over to finish off Bianca who is still attempting to struggle against death. +You think he tries to ask you "why?" before he dies, but you aren't really sure because you're too busy driving your daggers into his skull for the kill at the time. After dealing with Murk, you go over to finish off Bianca who is still attempting to struggle against death. -""Let this be known before you die, the Emperor shall reign forever and your dying god will be forgotten like he should've been centuries ago!"" you say and stab her in the heart. +"Let this be known before you die, the Emperor shall reign forever and your dying god will be forgotten like he should've been centuries ago!" you say and stab her in the heart. You feel as if you've just taken your first steps towards freedom at last with the deaths of Bianca and Murk. Two more to go, but first you need to find the Felkan king and finish off that part of your mission before an alarm is raised when Talia and Dawn start killing guards. You cast your spider walk spell and quickly scale the wall. When you get to the other side you're near a lot of carts with stacks of supplies on them. A quick look reveals that they're mostly sacks of food. You must be outside the royal kitchen or something. Sure enough you hear several voices coming from a nearby door which opens up. -""Alright start hauling in those sacks of potatoes; we got enough space for them in here now."" A chef says with several of his staff following outside. +"Alright start hauling in those sacks of potatoes; we got enough space for them in here now." A chef says with several of his staff following outside. Well you weren't planning on massacring an entire kitchen staff, but you don't have the luxury of waiting around or looking for another quick entrance and using any more magic right now is going to start making you feel exhausted. You ready your blade. @@ -10863,8 +10863,8 @@ There is just no way you're going to be able to assassinate the king and kill Da Were they attacking you with close combat weapons, you might've been able to fight them off. Were you more alert, you might've been able to dodge their bullets. As it stands neither of those possibilities exist and several soldiers fire their muskets at you. Hot lead hits you in the arm and the leg. When you fall and try to crawl away another blast hits you in the back. -""I've…failed…forgive me…my Emper…or…"" are your last words." -"Year 21 +"I've…failed…forgive me…my Emper…or…" are your last words.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 21 “So do you think you’ll be going on the assassination mission?” Talia asks. “I dunno, I think I’m still under watch for my past indiscretions.” You reply. @@ -10934,27 +10934,27 @@ The other plan would be to try to convince Dusk to split up the group and meet u > Try to convince Dusk of your plan Felkan soldiers aren't going to be a problem, but you need to get rid of Dusk and perhaps a few others before you get to the palace because you aren't going to have time to do it when you need to focus on assassinating the king. You approach Dusk as she stands away from the rest of the group examining the map. -""Sister Dusk, why don't we split up and meet at the palace?"" you ask. -""For what purpose, brother? It would be more efficient to just all go together."" Dusk replies. -""If we run into major trouble during our journey in Felkan territory, it would be better if some of us still got to the palace in a timely manner. Besides a larger group will attract more attention."" -""And neither of those things are going to be a problem since we'll be cloaked the whole time."" -""Well how do we know the Felkans don't have something to prevent that? Wouldn't it be better to remain on the side of caution?"" -""I think it would be better for you if you had more faith in Dendrin's protection and stopped speaking nonsense. I'm in charge and I'm telling you we're all going as a group. Besides I don't want all five of us running around separately, because as you say if we do run into trouble, we'd be stronger as a group."" -""I didn't mean all five of us go separately, we could still be in groups. Like you and I go as one group and the other three go as another."" -""You and I? Seems like you've thought this out."" -""Despite Murk constantly failing to impress Bianca, they work very well together, so they should stay together and I assumed Talia would be the logical choice as a leader. Her skills are better than Bianca and Murk's so she could lead them. Granted my combat skills are probably better, my magic is not. I believe I would be better off with you where your magic and my combat abilities can complement each other. We're going to have to split up when we get to the palace anyway if our intent is to sow as much chaos as possible before escaping, better that we do it now before we get too comfortable with a larger group."" +"Sister Dusk, why don't we split up and meet at the palace?" you ask. +"For what purpose, brother? It would be more efficient to just all go together." Dusk replies. +"If we run into major trouble during our journey in Felkan territory, it would be better if some of us still got to the palace in a timely manner. Besides a larger group will attract more attention." +"And neither of those things are going to be a problem since we'll be cloaked the whole time." +"Well how do we know the Felkans don't have something to prevent that? Wouldn't it be better to remain on the side of caution?" +"I think it would be better for you if you had more faith in Dendrin's protection and stopped speaking nonsense. I'm in charge and I'm telling you we're all going as a group. Besides I don't want all five of us running around separately, because as you say if we do run into trouble, we'd be stronger as a group." +"I didn't mean all five of us go separately, we could still be in groups. Like you and I go as one group and the other three go as another." +"You and I? Seems like you've thought this out." +"Despite Murk constantly failing to impress Bianca, they work very well together, so they should stay together and I assumed Talia would be the logical choice as a leader. Her skills are better than Bianca and Murk's so she could lead them. Granted my combat skills are probably better, my magic is not. I believe I would be better off with you where your magic and my combat abilities can complement each other. We're going to have to split up when we get to the palace anyway if our intent is to sow as much chaos as possible before escaping, better that we do it now before we get too comfortable with a larger group." Dusk still doesn't look entirely convinced, however she tells you to wait and she goes over to speak to the others. After a few moments of discussion, she turns back to you. -""Okay, you might have a point. You'll come with me and we'll approach the Felkan capital Dessle from the north, Talia and the rest will approach it from the south. Neither of us are going to reach it today, but we'll definitely make it by tomorrow night where we can meet up and I'll relay the next course of action. Try to stick to the wilderness and non-populated areas until then. May Dendrin guide us all."" +"Okay, you might have a point. You'll come with me and we'll approach the Felkan capital Dessle from the north, Talia and the rest will approach it from the south. Neither of us are going to reach it today, but we'll definitely make it by tomorrow night where we can meet up and I'll relay the next course of action. Try to stick to the wilderness and non-populated areas until then. May Dendrin guide us all." Dusk and you set off, about five minutes in she states that she forgot to mention that the area Talia is suppose to be heading into is supposed to be have regular patrols, so she should be warned about that. You wait for Dusk to return pondering when the best time would be to kill her. Probably not until you a good ways into Felkan territory, maybe just before you get into Dessle. Eventually Dusk comes back and you're on your way again. Crossing into Felkan territory is very easy. The outposts aren’t nearly as well guarded as they should be and combined with sticking to the wilderness and using magic to cloak yourself it's incredibly simple. You eventually camp out in a secluded wood where Sister Dusk becomes more talkative. -""We made pretty good time, with minimal problems. I guess you had a good idea. I suggest we both get some rest, tomorrow will be the big event."" -""Yeah, hopefully the rest are doing just as well."" You remark. -""Oh I wouldn't worry about them. I'm sure they're fine."" +"We made pretty good time, with minimal problems. I guess you had a good idea. I suggest we both get some rest, tomorrow will be the big event." +"Yeah, hopefully the rest are doing just as well." You remark. +"Oh I wouldn't worry about them. I'm sure they're fine." Nodding in agreement, you decide this would probably be the best place as any to get rid of Dusk. You figure you'll pretend to go to sleep, wait until she's asleep and make your move. @@ -10962,20 +10962,20 @@ After waiting for about an hour, you finally get the impression she's asleep tha Your blade is drawn and just before you strike, you feel a bolt go into your side. -""Ah shit!"" you cry out and fall to the ground. Another bolt goes into your leg and Dawn ""wakes up"". She wasn't the only one faking sleep it seems. +"Ah shit!" you cry out and fall to the ground. Another bolt goes into your leg and Dawn "wakes up". She wasn't the only one faking sleep it seems. -""I knew it! I knew Brother Cyrus wasn't just ranting and I knew you probably were involved with killing my mate Shade. Filthy traitor!"" Dusk exclaims, kicking you in the face. +"I knew it! I knew Brother Cyrus wasn't just ranting and I knew you probably were involved with killing my mate Shade. Filthy traitor!" Dusk exclaims, kicking you in the face. Talia, Murk and Bianca all come out from the underbrush. Dawn must've told them to follow you the whole time. They all look on in disappointment at you, but Talia especially. -""I didn't want to believe it…how could you betray Dendrin like this? How long have you been a traitor?"" Talia asks while reloading her armbow. -""Me a traitor? No, it is YOU who is the traitor! All of you! All of you have betrayed the Emperor for your pitiful god who cares nothing for you!"" you shout in defiance. ""I know this because Dendrin himself has spoken to me on several occasions trying to convert me to his will, but it didn't work."" -""He does care, or else he would not have tried to bring you into the fold. How sad that you did not learn his wisdom and accept his mercy."" Murk says. -""How sad that you actually believe that. You're more pathetic than he is. If he really cared for any of you, he would've warned you about having a so called traitor in your midst. He didn't, so that says a lot about your revered deity."" -""Enough! I won't hear anymore of these vicious lies! Your treachery ends here today traitor."" Dusk shouts back and attempts to finish you off with a sword blow, but you've got enough fight in you to roll out of the way and return with your own attack, hacking Dusk's foot off. +"I didn't want to believe it…how could you betray Dendrin like this? How long have you been a traitor?" Talia asks while reloading her armbow. +"Me a traitor? No, it is YOU who is the traitor! All of you! All of you have betrayed the Emperor for your pitiful god who cares nothing for you!" you shout in defiance. "I know this because Dendrin himself has spoken to me on several occasions trying to convert me to his will, but it didn't work." +"He does care, or else he would not have tried to bring you into the fold. How sad that you did not learn his wisdom and accept his mercy." Murk says. +"How sad that you actually believe that. You're more pathetic than he is. If he really cared for any of you, he would've warned you about having a so called traitor in your midst. He didn't, so that says a lot about your revered deity." +"Enough! I won't hear anymore of these vicious lies! Your treachery ends here today traitor." Dusk shouts back and attempts to finish you off with a sword blow, but you've got enough fight in you to roll out of the way and return with your own attack, hacking Dusk's foot off. -It's a small victory though, the rest of the shadows move in and run you through several times. Defiant to the end you laugh and state that they've won nothing here and the Empire will survive as you die." -"His plan is going to mess everything up and reporting him probably will just result in him getting scolded and he’ll sneak off later anyway. You need to kill him. It’s part of your overall goal anyway. +It's a small victory though, the rest of the shadows move in and run you through several times. Defiant to the end you laugh and state that they've won nothing here and the Empire will survive as you die.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>His plan is going to mess everything up and reporting him probably will just result in him getting scolded and he’ll sneak off later anyway. You need to kill him. It’s part of your overall goal anyway. The next few days you spend mostly in the training room, trying to get yourself ready for what will probably be a grueling battle. Quite frankly if you do it right, you won’t have to fight him at all as you’re going to try to catch him completely with his guard down, but if that doesn’t work, you’re going to have a struggle on your hands and you need to be prepared. @@ -11034,33 +11034,33 @@ You’re trying to remain as calm as possible, but the pressure is on. Cyrus loo > Tell them the altered truth Blatant lying tends to complicate things and if you're caught, it's only going to make you look worse. You might be better off telling the truth and omitting part of it. -""Alright, alright, I'll tell you the truth, but I was only trying to protect Brother Shade's memory…and I was ashamed."" -""What are you talking about brother?"" Master Ebon asks. -""(Sigh) Brother Shade did speak with me, but he was mainly complaining. Stating that you didn't really know the will of Dendrin at all and action needed to be taken now regardless of what you said. At first I thought he was just spouting his usual rants, but the last time we spoke he wanted me to go with him to attack a Felkan outpost. The plan was to kill everyone there except one maimed survivor to tell the tale. He hoped that would bring war quicker and you'd have no choice, but to act on the plan."" -""Why didn't you report this?"" Brother Gray snaps. -""I told you, I didn't want Brother Shade to get into trouble just for having a momentary lapse in judgment and I thought I could talk him out of it. So I followed him and I caught up to him I tried to convince him his plan was folly. I failed and when I tried to physically stop him, he beat me and warned if I tried again he'd kill me. Fearing for my life I ran. That was the last I saw him."" +"Alright, alright, I'll tell you the truth, but I was only trying to protect Brother Shade's memory…and I was ashamed." +"What are you talking about brother?" Master Ebon asks. +"(Sigh) Brother Shade did speak with me, but he was mainly complaining. Stating that you didn't really know the will of Dendrin at all and action needed to be taken now regardless of what you said. At first I thought he was just spouting his usual rants, but the last time we spoke he wanted me to go with him to attack a Felkan outpost. The plan was to kill everyone there except one maimed survivor to tell the tale. He hoped that would bring war quicker and you'd have no choice, but to act on the plan." +"Why didn't you report this?" Brother Gray snaps. +"I told you, I didn't want Brother Shade to get into trouble just for having a momentary lapse in judgment and I thought I could talk him out of it. So I followed him and I caught up to him I tried to convince him his plan was folly. I failed and when I tried to physically stop him, he beat me and warned if I tried again he'd kill me. Fearing for my life I ran. That was the last I saw him." Master Ebon is silent and puts his face in his hands. Brother Gray gives a look of disapproval and shakes his head. Cyrus on the other hand takes the opportunity to question you. -""You really expect us to believe your lies? You probably agreed to the plan, got scared and tried to back out of it. You killed Brother Shade and made up this story to…"" -""Brother Cyrus that's enough! You are not the one doing the interrogating here! Know your place in Dendrin's shadow! There has obviously been too much of people overstepping their bounds lately and you'd do well to not follow that same path. In fact, you need to leave. Brother Gray and I will handle it from here."" +"You really expect us to believe your lies? You probably agreed to the plan, got scared and tried to back out of it. You killed Brother Shade and made up this story to…" +"Brother Cyrus that's enough! You are not the one doing the interrogating here! Know your place in Dendrin's shadow! There has obviously been too much of people overstepping their bounds lately and you'd do well to not follow that same path. In fact, you need to leave. Brother Gray and I will handle it from here." Cyrus looks a bit put off by this order, but obeys. He gives a dirty look at you before leaving though. You're left standing in front of Master Ebon and Brother Gray. -""Brother, do you realize what sort of position you've put us in?"" -""I realize it's bad, but…"" -""No, you don't! All of our plans could be ruined because YOU didn't report this like you should have! For all we know Brother Shade has completed his rash mission and the war will be occur too soon!"" -""And that's the best case scenario."" Brother Gray adds. ""Brother Cyrus' theory, though accusatory, does make me question if what you're saying IS the entire truth."" -""It is! I swear to Dendrin!"" -""Perhaps, but due to your deeds, a punishment still must be decided…I believe the silence of the shadow will do since you prefer to remain quiet. When your tongue is removed, I believe you shall forever know the price of your failure. Brother Gray please escort…"" +"Brother, do you realize what sort of position you've put us in?" +"I realize it's bad, but…" +"No, you don't! All of our plans could be ruined because YOU didn't report this like you should have! For all we know Brother Shade has completed his rash mission and the war will be occur too soon!" +"And that's the best case scenario." Brother Gray adds. "Brother Cyrus' theory, though accusatory, does make me question if what you're saying IS the entire truth." +"It is! I swear to Dendrin!" +"Perhaps, but due to your deeds, a punishment still must be decided…I believe the silence of the shadow will do since you prefer to remain quiet. When your tongue is removed, I believe you shall forever know the price of your failure. Brother Gray please escort…" You aren't about to let yourself be mutilated by these religious fanatics, you draw your weapon, but Master Ebon mumbles a few words and you're held in place. -""Brother, cease your hostility NOW! You will submit to this punishment or you will face much worse!"" Brother Gray shouts. -""Never! I'll never submit to you! The Empire will live forever and your order will be ground into dust! Long live the Emperor!"" you shout breaking all pretense of your allegiance, which causes a look of surprise from Brother Gray's face. Master Ebon however just shuts his eyes. +"Brother, cease your hostility NOW! You will submit to this punishment or you will face much worse!" Brother Gray shouts. +"Never! I'll never submit to you! The Empire will live forever and your order will be ground into dust! Long live the Emperor!" you shout breaking all pretense of your allegiance, which causes a look of surprise from Brother Gray's face. Master Ebon however just shuts his eyes. -""Dendrin will preserve us through this unforeseen hardship, and we will prevail, just as he has said we would centuries ago. Your actions will not stop what cannot be stopped."" Master Ebon says calmly and with a few quietly spoken words, your heart stops killing you instantly." -"Chapter 2B1: The Emperor’s Shadow +"Dendrin will preserve us through this unforeseen hardship, and we will prevail, just as he has said we would centuries ago. Your actions will not stop what cannot be stopped." Master Ebon says calmly and with a few quietly spoken words, your heart stops killing you instantly.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Chapter 2B1: The Emperor’s Shadow Year 20 @@ -11143,40 +11143,40 @@ Of course you don’t want to carry out that plan, so you’re going to have to > Report Brother Shade Killing him is just going to complicate things for you, better to be a good little shadow and go through the proper channels in this case. You immediately go see Brother Gray and state you need to see Master Ebon. -""And why do you need to see him right now?"" Brother Gray asks. -""It's about Brother Shade, I fear he's going to do something rash that could ruin everything the shadows have worked so hard for."" -""What is it?"" +"And why do you need to see him right now?" Brother Gray asks. +"It's about Brother Shade, I fear he's going to do something rash that could ruin everything the shadows have worked so hard for." +"What is it?" You explain Brother Shade's plan in its entirety and how you pretended to go along with it so he wouldn't suddenly run away or attempt to attack you. -""This is a very serious accusation, but…(sigh) not really all that surprising given his behavior lately. Before we take this to Master Ebon, I'm curious to as why he approached you of all people to help him. I don't believe hearing him ever saying a good word about you, so picking you is a bit puzzling to me. Is there something you should tell me?"" -""Well…I'm sort of embarrassed, but Brother Shade knew that I saw a few uh…women of low moral fiber during some of my patrols and threatened to report me, if I didn't help him."" -""(Sigh) Well…I'm glad you at least had the sense to come clean in the face of a greater threat. I'll keep this from Master Ebon, but we're going to have a serious talk about your own indiscretions later! As for Brother Shade do you know where he is now?"" -""I believe he's in his room getting his stuff prepared for the mission."" -""Okay, I'm going to send some brothers outside his room to make sure he doesn't leave while I go fetch Master Ebon. If Brother Shade even tries to escape instead of staying put, well that's going to prove his guilt, though I'm hoping it won't come to that and he'll at least stay put and submit the proper punishment that Master Ebon deems necessary."" -""What should I do?"" you ask. -""You, go back to your own room and stay there until you're called for to tell your story in front of Master Ebon and Brother Shade."" +"This is a very serious accusation, but…(sigh) not really all that surprising given his behavior lately. Before we take this to Master Ebon, I'm curious to as why he approached you of all people to help him. I don't believe hearing him ever saying a good word about you, so picking you is a bit puzzling to me. Is there something you should tell me?" +"Well…I'm sort of embarrassed, but Brother Shade knew that I saw a few uh…women of low moral fiber during some of my patrols and threatened to report me, if I didn't help him." +"(Sigh) Well…I'm glad you at least had the sense to come clean in the face of a greater threat. I'll keep this from Master Ebon, but we're going to have a serious talk about your own indiscretions later! As for Brother Shade do you know where he is now?" +"I believe he's in his room getting his stuff prepared for the mission." +"Okay, I'm going to send some brothers outside his room to make sure he doesn't leave while I go fetch Master Ebon. If Brother Shade even tries to escape instead of staying put, well that's going to prove his guilt, though I'm hoping it won't come to that and he'll at least stay put and submit the proper punishment that Master Ebon deems necessary." +"What should I do?" you ask. +"You, go back to your own room and stay there until you're called for to tell your story in front of Master Ebon and Brother Shade." You nod and head back to your bunk. Nobody is there though; they must be on their patrols. You wait a few minutes expecting Brother Gray or someone else to come get you to come confirm your story in front of Master Ebon or whoever, but nobody does. You do however begin to hear the sounds of fighting though in the halls. -""Wonderful, they can't even hold their own defectors in place."" You mutter and draw your weapon. You then cast cloak on yourself and hide in one of the corners of the room with your eyes on the doorway at all times. Eventually someone enters the room, but it's not Shade, its Murk. +"Wonderful, they can't even hold their own defectors in place." You mutter and draw your weapon. You then cast cloak on yourself and hide in one of the corners of the room with your eyes on the doorway at all times. Eventually someone enters the room, but it's not Shade, its Murk. -""Hey brother, are you in here? I just came back from patrol and heard Brother Shade is running amok through Gloom! What's going on?"" -""Shhh! Quiet you idiot! He's…"" +"Hey brother, are you in here? I just came back from patrol and heard Brother Shade is running amok through Gloom! What's going on?" +"Shhh! Quiet you idiot! He's…" Before you can even complete that sentence, Murk is suddenly thrown face first into the floor. It would seem your instincts were right and he decided to get revenge rather than seek escape. You attempt to cast a decloak on Shade which works, but not in time for Murk to get his bearings. Shade smashes Murk's face into the floor. He may or may not have killed him, but in any event he's not going to be getting up to help you anytime soon. -""You may have prevented me from serving Dendrin like the rest of these short sighted fools, but I guarantee that you will not live to see the fruits of your treachery."" He says and attacks. +"You may have prevented me from serving Dendrin like the rest of these short sighted fools, but I guarantee that you will not live to see the fruits of your treachery." He says and attacks. You engage Shade in battle and the pair of you are fairly matched as far martial combat are concerned. The problems arise when Shade falls back on magic. He speeds himself up getting few good hits on you. You attempt to do the same thing and it helps, but you still are at a disadvantage. He matches every move you've got and has wounded you to the point where you're starting to doubt that you'll win this battle. You push yourself harder and hope your will to survive will win out. Eventually help comes in the form of several more shadows and Brother Gray. Several bolts go flying into Shade's back and he falls to the floor in a heap. You never thought you'd think this, but you're actually glad to see the shadows this time. -""Brother are you alright?"" Brother Gray asks. -""Yes, I think so (Whew) lemme catch my…ulk!"" you utter and then you feel a bolt go through your heart. You look down long enough to see Shade's armbow stretched out and then the rest of his body become still for the final time. +"Brother are you alright?" Brother Gray asks. +"Yes, I think so (Whew) lemme catch my…ulk!" you utter and then you feel a bolt go through your heart. You look down long enough to see Shade's armbow stretched out and then the rest of his body become still for the final time. -You soon follow him, unable to believe that your service to the Empire came to such an abrupt end." -"Year 18 +You soon follow him, unable to believe that your service to the Empire came to such an abrupt end.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 18 “And so I said to the blacksmith, well if you’re intending on killing the Emperor, you better damn well have a better plan than those group of thugs you’ve been supplying with weapons in the sewers. At least supply them to some thugs who the Emperor wouldn’t be able to smell six miles away!” you say, and this is followed by a few laughs from some of your fellow shadows. “Hah, good one brother! Tell me, what did you do to the blacksmith?” Brother Murk asks. @@ -11318,8 +11318,8 @@ Year 20 “So Brother Cyrus and Brother Draven are going to be assigned to Rask soon?” you ask. “That’s what I’ve heard from Brother Gray. Them and a few others. Next year at the latest.” Murk says -“Good idea, from what I've heard the Empire is always having problems with that area, though I think they'll start having problems in other areas too soon now that they're officially at war with the Felkan Kingdom."" -""Personally I don't think we should be waiting around now, we should push things along even more.” Brother Shade says. “In fact, I’m going to mention that to Master Ebon next time I see him.” +“Good idea, from what I've heard the Empire is always having problems with that area, though I think they'll start having problems in other areas too soon now that they're officially at war with the Felkan Kingdom." +"Personally I don't think we should be waiting around now, we should push things along even more.” Brother Shade says. “In fact, I’m going to mention that to Master Ebon next time I see him.” “You don’t think that he hasn’t already thought of such a plan?” Talia asks. “Perhaps, but let’s just say I’ve been here a little longer than the rest of you, and while I know Master Ebon is just waiting for the right time to strike, he’s been playing the waiting game a little longer than I think is necessary.” @@ -11334,46 +11334,46 @@ Soon after his statement Brother Shade leaves to attend his duties. Later that night you fall asleep and have an encounter with someone you don't want to interact with unless you have to… -""So I see you’re fitting in well after all. Glad to see it seeing as you still don't particularly hold a lot of faith in my help. You are a most puzzling creature Eternal."" Dendrin says. -""For someone with god powers, you aren't very omniscient. As I said, I joined the Shadow Guard's cause because it’s the best chance to bring down the Empire. Master Ebon is the leader and whether he's getting reliable guidance from you or not is irrelevant, he's who I'm following not you.” -""Interesting, so you've just exchanged one Emperor for another."" -""No, for one I actually have interacted with Master Ebon and understand his motivations and goals better. As far as I know about the Emperor and the Empire, they're just into power for power's sake. And what do you care? I'm following Ebon and he follows you, so shouldn't you be happy?"" +"So I see you’re fitting in well after all. Glad to see it seeing as you still don't particularly hold a lot of faith in my help. You are a most puzzling creature Eternal." Dendrin says. +"For someone with god powers, you aren't very omniscient. As I said, I joined the Shadow Guard's cause because it’s the best chance to bring down the Empire. Master Ebon is the leader and whether he's getting reliable guidance from you or not is irrelevant, he's who I'm following not you.” +"Interesting, so you've just exchanged one Emperor for another." +"No, for one I actually have interacted with Master Ebon and understand his motivations and goals better. As far as I know about the Emperor and the Empire, they're just into power for power's sake. And what do you care? I'm following Ebon and he follows you, so shouldn't you be happy?" At this point a low chortle pierces your brain. -""Perhaps I am. Perhaps I am. As always I enjoy our little talks Eternal."" +"Perhaps I am. Perhaps I am. As always I enjoy our little talks Eternal." Sometime later you wake up from your sleep, still wondering what the hell Dendrin's game is. Year 21 -""Besides the hidden cells we already have, I think we can definitely count on the elven population for support when the time comes, I don't think there's a single one that would defend the Empire, if it meant a true end to it. As for the human population well its hit or miss. We know we'll stir up any slaves and probably criminal types looking to take advantage of the chaos. The poorer folk might be a bit divided. Some are still brainwashed fools happy to toil under the iron fist, though happily a lot seem to be grumbling as of late. It'll probably go more to our favor when the revolution goes full swing."" You tell your fellow shadows. -""Good to hear. The reports I get from Cyrus at Fort Defiance are promising as well. He says that he's made contact with the orc commander who has been stirring up a bit of rebellion in the orcs. He's been slowly transferring many of them to Rask and concentrating on having them all rebel there though. This Captain Gruz states it would be too risky to do it with the orc serving on the Felkan frontlines as well since he needs to keep his profile somewhat low and they're probably just going to get killed soon in that meat grinder anyway."" Brother Gray remarks. -""And I still say we should've pushed further on sabotage on that front, not to mention try to convince Gruz to influence the orcs stationed there anyway."" -""Yes, yes, so you've said. Brother Shade isn't it enough that your voice was heard on the orc issue at all? You should be satisfied with that fact rather than pushing for needless recklessness. Your idea contribution was utilized in the best way that will advance Dendrin's agenda. Be happy for such a thing brother."" Brother Gray responds. +"Besides the hidden cells we already have, I think we can definitely count on the elven population for support when the time comes, I don't think there's a single one that would defend the Empire, if it meant a true end to it. As for the human population well its hit or miss. We know we'll stir up any slaves and probably criminal types looking to take advantage of the chaos. The poorer folk might be a bit divided. Some are still brainwashed fools happy to toil under the iron fist, though happily a lot seem to be grumbling as of late. It'll probably go more to our favor when the revolution goes full swing." You tell your fellow shadows. +"Good to hear. The reports I get from Cyrus at Fort Defiance are promising as well. He says that he's made contact with the orc commander who has been stirring up a bit of rebellion in the orcs. He's been slowly transferring many of them to Rask and concentrating on having them all rebel there though. This Captain Gruz states it would be too risky to do it with the orc serving on the Felkan frontlines as well since he needs to keep his profile somewhat low and they're probably just going to get killed soon in that meat grinder anyway." Brother Gray remarks. +"And I still say we should've pushed further on sabotage on that front, not to mention try to convince Gruz to influence the orcs stationed there anyway." +"Yes, yes, so you've said. Brother Shade isn't it enough that your voice was heard on the orc issue at all? You should be satisfied with that fact rather than pushing for needless recklessness. Your idea contribution was utilized in the best way that will advance Dendrin's agenda. Be happy for such a thing brother." Brother Gray responds. Brother Shade sits back down and scowls, but says nothing else except a few grumbles. He does glare at you as if you're to blame, but it's not your fault. You've been putting in just as much work as everyone trying to cultivate dissension and looking for weaknesses to exploit when the time comes, you sort of hope it comes soon though because even you are getting tired of the waiting around. You're still an Eternal and the desire for combat on a grand scale is still there. After the meeting you head towards your room since you have no more duties for today. As you walk down the corridor Talia catches up with you. -""Where is Brother Murk, normally he's by your side talking to you after these things."" -""He had to rush to the Delerg province; he had duties to attend to there immediately after the meeting. -""I see, for a moment I thought you were going to tell me he was attempting to unsuccessfully attempt to charm sister Bianca again."" -""He probably still did that before he left."" -""I don't know why he puts himself through the hassle. It is obvious she will never feel that way about him."" Talia remarks. -""Oh I dunno, with enough time he might wear her down in twenty years."" -""Perhaps, but his time would better spent elsewhere pursuing a mate. Certain people just aren't made to be together, unlike say us for example."" +"Where is Brother Murk, normally he's by your side talking to you after these things." +"He had to rush to the Delerg province; he had duties to attend to there immediately after the meeting. +"I see, for a moment I thought you were going to tell me he was attempting to unsuccessfully attempt to charm sister Bianca again." +"He probably still did that before he left." +"I don't know why he puts himself through the hassle. It is obvious she will never feel that way about him." Talia remarks. +"Oh I dunno, with enough time he might wear her down in twenty years." +"Perhaps, but his time would better spent elsewhere pursuing a mate. Certain people just aren't made to be together, unlike say us for example." While you and Talia have grown slightly closer over the years, you weren't aware it was to that level! -""Okay Talia, you're going to have to explain in greater detail on this issue, because I'm lost."" -""I intend to. Basically I am choosing you now as a mate. I think you know there is wisdom in this."" -""Wha? Now? Me? Why?"" -""Because even though we are all siblings and equals in the eyes of Dendrin, quite frankly WE…” Talia grabs your hand and puts it to her heart and then your own. “…are Eternals. We still have a bond that the others don’t and you’re the only one I believe is worthy for me. Besides, I'm sure you are sick of waiting around for the revolution to get started and are feeling the urge for combat a lot. I figure we could both blow off some of those urges with other intimate activities."" -""…does that really work?"" -""I dunno, I've heard it does. It's not like I've tried this before, I guess we'll have to find out, assuming you want to that is…you aren't like Brother Cyrus are you?"" -""Hah, no. I just haven't thought about it a lot about it in general. I guess I've got a lot on my mind most of the time."" -""I sensed as much, as you always seem to be deep in thought a lot. Is it anything in particular?"" +"Okay Talia, you're going to have to explain in greater detail on this issue, because I'm lost." +"I intend to. Basically I am choosing you now as a mate. I think you know there is wisdom in this." +"Wha? Now? Me? Why?" +"Because even though we are all siblings and equals in the eyes of Dendrin, quite frankly WE…” Talia grabs your hand and puts it to her heart and then your own. “…are Eternals. We still have a bond that the others don’t and you’re the only one I believe is worthy for me. Besides, I'm sure you are sick of waiting around for the revolution to get started and are feeling the urge for combat a lot. I figure we could both blow off some of those urges with other intimate activities." +"…does that really work?" +"I dunno, I've heard it does. It's not like I've tried this before, I guess we'll have to find out, assuming you want to that is…you aren't like Brother Cyrus are you?" +"Hah, no. I just haven't thought about it a lot about it in general. I guess I've got a lot on my mind most of the time." +"I sensed as much, as you always seem to be deep in thought a lot. Is it anything in particular?" You almost want to tell her how your whole experience with the Shadow Guard has most likely been a lot different from everyone else's. How you don't have faith in Dendrin and how you've personally had several frustrating conversations with him. And most importantly how you always wonder if secretly attempting to overthrow the Empire is even going to work in the first place. @@ -11391,11 +11391,11 @@ Normally soldiers would put down the dissension going on in the province, but mo While Brother Shade urges that this would be good time to openly strike, Master Ebon again says no and says the charade still needs to be kept. Even you find this to be a little strange since this would indeed be a good opportunity and judging by some of the other reactions of your fellow shadows they may be in agreement. -""But how are we supposed to hide any potential rebels this time? I mean this is a whole town that the Empire wants us to wipe off the map!"" Sister Bianca exclaims. -""We aren't. We're going to obey the Empire on this one and do exactly what we're told."" Master Ebon says. -""WHAT?! Are you serious? This is supposed to be what we're fighting against! These average ordinary citizens have displayed more courage than you by taking matters into their own hands!"" -""Brother Shade!"" Brother Gray snaps. -""NO, I will not be silent this time! I must speak! We have the resources, we have infiltrated enough! Now is not the time to sneak about in the background, Dendrin wanted us to be free and I won't let you or this doddering old fool hold us back with your indecisiveness any longer!"" +"But how are we supposed to hide any potential rebels this time? I mean this is a whole town that the Empire wants us to wipe off the map!" Sister Bianca exclaims. +"We aren't. We're going to obey the Empire on this one and do exactly what we're told." Master Ebon says. +"WHAT?! Are you serious? This is supposed to be what we're fighting against! These average ordinary citizens have displayed more courage than you by taking matters into their own hands!" +"Brother Shade!" Brother Gray snaps. +"NO, I will not be silent this time! I must speak! We have the resources, we have infiltrated enough! Now is not the time to sneak about in the background, Dendrin wanted us to be free and I won't let you or this doddering old fool hold us back with your indecisiveness any longer!" Without another word, Brother Shade speeds himself up and moves in for the attack. He can't possibly win even if he does reach Master Ebon in time…unless you attempted to help him. > Help in the assassination @@ -11413,16 +11413,16 @@ Master Ebon pauses a moment and then points in your direction. Before you can even react you feel a sharp pain wrack your brain then it courses throughout your entire body. It feels like your entire body is on fire and having thousands of blades stabbing you at the same time. -You begin bleeding, screaming and writhing on the floor just like Brother Shade did with one importance difference, Master Ebon actually makes your head explode into gooey chunks just to get his point across about purifying the shadow order." -"Chapter 2B2: Dendrin’s Shadow +You begin bleeding, screaming and writhing on the floor just like Brother Shade did with one importance difference, Master Ebon actually makes your head explode into gooey chunks just to get his point across about purifying the shadow order.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Chapter 2B2: Dendrin’s Shadow Year 20 “So Brother Cyrus and Brother Draven are going to be assigned to Rask soon?” you ask. “That’s what I’ve heard from Brother Gray. Them and a few others. Next year at the latest.” Murk says -“Good idea, from what I've heard the Empire is always having problems with that area, though I think they'll start having problems in other areas too soon now that they're officially at war with the Felkan Kingdom."" -""Personally I don't think we should be waiting around now, we should push things along even more.” Brother Shade says. “In fact, I’m going to mention that to Master Ebon next time I see him.” +“Good idea, from what I've heard the Empire is always having problems with that area, though I think they'll start having problems in other areas too soon now that they're officially at war with the Felkan Kingdom." +"Personally I don't think we should be waiting around now, we should push things along even more.” Brother Shade says. “In fact, I’m going to mention that to Master Ebon next time I see him.” “You don’t think that he hasn’t already thought of such a plan?” Talia asks. “Perhaps, but let’s just say I’ve been here a little longer than the rest of you, and while I know Master Ebon is just waiting for the right time to strike, he’s been playing the waiting game a little longer than I think is necessary.” @@ -11437,46 +11437,46 @@ Soon after his statement Brother Shade leaves to attend his duties. Later that night you fall asleep and have an encounter with someone you don't want to interact with unless you have to… -""So I see you’re fitting in well after all. Glad to see it seeing as you still don't particularly hold a lot of faith in my help. You are a most puzzling creature Eternal."" Dendrin says. -""For someone with god powers, you aren't very omniscient. As I said, I joined the Shadow Guard's cause because it’s the best chance to bring down the Empire. Master Ebon is the leader and whether he's getting reliable guidance from you or not is irrelevant, he's who I'm following not you.” -""Interesting, so you've just exchanged one Emperor for another."" -""No, for one I actually have interacted with Master Ebon and understand his motivations and goals better. As far as I know about the Emperor and the Empire, they're just into power for power's sake. And what do you care? I'm following Ebon and he follows you, so shouldn't you be happy?"" +"So I see you’re fitting in well after all. Glad to see it seeing as you still don't particularly hold a lot of faith in my help. You are a most puzzling creature Eternal." Dendrin says. +"For someone with god powers, you aren't very omniscient. As I said, I joined the Shadow Guard's cause because it’s the best chance to bring down the Empire. Master Ebon is the leader and whether he's getting reliable guidance from you or not is irrelevant, he's who I'm following not you.” +"Interesting, so you've just exchanged one Emperor for another." +"No, for one I actually have interacted with Master Ebon and understand his motivations and goals better. As far as I know about the Emperor and the Empire, they're just into power for power's sake. And what do you care? I'm following Ebon and he follows you, so shouldn't you be happy?" At this point a low chortle pierces your brain. -""Perhaps I am. Perhaps I am. As always I enjoy our little talks Eternal."" +"Perhaps I am. Perhaps I am. As always I enjoy our little talks Eternal." Sometime later you wake up from your sleep, still wondering what the hell Dendrin's game is. Year 21 -""Besides the hidden cells we already have, I think we can definitely count on the elven population for support when the time comes, I don't think there's a single one that would defend the Empire, if it meant a true end to it. As for the human population well its hit or miss. We know we'll stir up any slaves and probably criminal types looking to take advantage of the chaos. The poorer folk might be a bit divided. Some are still brainwashed fools happy to toil under the iron fist, though happily a lot seem to be grumbling as of late. It'll probably go more to our favor when the revolution goes full swing."" You tell your fellow shadows. -""Good to hear. The reports I get from Cyrus at Fort Defiance are promising as well. He says that he's made contact with the orc commander who has been stirring up a bit of rebellion in the orcs. He's been slowly transferring many of them to Rask and concentrating on having them all rebel there though. This Captain Gruz states it would be too risky to do it with the orc serving on the Felkan frontlines as well since he needs to keep his profile somewhat low and they're probably just going to get killed soon in that meat grinder anyway."" Brother Gray remarks. -""And I still say we should've pushed further on sabotage on that front, not to mention try to convince Gruz to influence the orcs stationed there anyway."" -""Yes, yes, so you've said. Brother Shade isn't it enough that your voice was heard on the orc issue at all? You should be satisfied with that fact rather than pushing for needless recklessness. Your idea contribution was utilized in the best way that will advance Dendrin's agenda. Be happy for such a thing brother."" Brother Gray responds. +"Besides the hidden cells we already have, I think we can definitely count on the elven population for support when the time comes, I don't think there's a single one that would defend the Empire, if it meant a true end to it. As for the human population well its hit or miss. We know we'll stir up any slaves and probably criminal types looking to take advantage of the chaos. The poorer folk might be a bit divided. Some are still brainwashed fools happy to toil under the iron fist, though happily a lot seem to be grumbling as of late. It'll probably go more to our favor when the revolution goes full swing." You tell your fellow shadows. +"Good to hear. The reports I get from Cyrus at Fort Defiance are promising as well. He says that he's made contact with the orc commander who has been stirring up a bit of rebellion in the orcs. He's been slowly transferring many of them to Rask and concentrating on having them all rebel there though. This Captain Gruz states it would be too risky to do it with the orc serving on the Felkan frontlines as well since he needs to keep his profile somewhat low and they're probably just going to get killed soon in that meat grinder anyway." Brother Gray remarks. +"And I still say we should've pushed further on sabotage on that front, not to mention try to convince Gruz to influence the orcs stationed there anyway." +"Yes, yes, so you've said. Brother Shade isn't it enough that your voice was heard on the orc issue at all? You should be satisfied with that fact rather than pushing for needless recklessness. Your idea contribution was utilized in the best way that will advance Dendrin's agenda. Be happy for such a thing brother." Brother Gray responds. Brother Shade sits back down and scowls, but says nothing else except a few grumbles. He does glare at you as if you're to blame, but it's not your fault. You've been putting in just as much work as everyone trying to cultivate dissension and looking for weaknesses to exploit when the time comes, you sort of hope it comes soon though because even you are getting tired of the waiting around. You're still an Eternal and the desire for combat on a grand scale is still there. After the meeting you head towards your room since you have no more duties for today. As you walk down the corridor Talia catches up with you. -""Where is Brother Murk, normally he's by your side talking to you after these things."" -""He had to rush to the Delerg province; he had duties to attend to there immediately after the meeting. -""I see, for a moment I thought you were going to tell me he was attempting to unsuccessfully attempt to charm sister Bianca again."" -""He probably still did that before he left."" -""I don't know why he puts himself through the hassle. It is obvious she will never feel that way about him."" Talia remarks. -""Oh I dunno, with enough time he might wear her down in twenty years."" -""Perhaps, but his time would better spent elsewhere pursuing a mate. Certain people just aren't made to be together, unlike say us for example."" +"Where is Brother Murk, normally he's by your side talking to you after these things." +"He had to rush to the Delerg province; he had duties to attend to there immediately after the meeting. +"I see, for a moment I thought you were going to tell me he was attempting to unsuccessfully attempt to charm sister Bianca again." +"He probably still did that before he left." +"I don't know why he puts himself through the hassle. It is obvious she will never feel that way about him." Talia remarks. +"Oh I dunno, with enough time he might wear her down in twenty years." +"Perhaps, but his time would better spent elsewhere pursuing a mate. Certain people just aren't made to be together, unlike say us for example." While you and Talia have grown slightly closer over the years, you weren't aware it was to that level! -""Okay Talia, you're going to have to explain in greater detail on this issue, because I'm lost."" -""I intend to. Basically I am choosing you now as a mate. I think you know there is wisdom in this."" -""Wha? Now? Me? Why?"" -""Because even though we are all siblings and equals in the eyes of Dendrin, quite frankly WE…” Talia grabs your hand and puts it to her heart and then your own. “…are Eternals. We still have a bond that the others don’t and you’re the only one I believe is worthy for me. Besides, I'm sure you are sick of waiting around for the revolution to get started and are feeling the urge for combat a lot. I figure we could both blow off some of those urges with other intimate activities."" -""…does that really work?"" -""I dunno, I've heard it does. It's not like I've tried this before, I guess we'll have to find out, assuming you want to that is…you aren't like Brother Cyrus are you?"" -""Hah, no. I just haven't thought about it a lot about it in general. I guess I've got a lot on my mind most of the time."" -""I sensed as much, as you always seem to be deep in thought a lot. Is it anything in particular?"" +"Okay Talia, you're going to have to explain in greater detail on this issue, because I'm lost." +"I intend to. Basically I am choosing you now as a mate. I think you know there is wisdom in this." +"Wha? Now? Me? Why?" +"Because even though we are all siblings and equals in the eyes of Dendrin, quite frankly WE…” Talia grabs your hand and puts it to her heart and then your own. “…are Eternals. We still have a bond that the others don’t and you’re the only one I believe is worthy for me. Besides, I'm sure you are sick of waiting around for the revolution to get started and are feeling the urge for combat a lot. I figure we could both blow off some of those urges with other intimate activities." +"…does that really work?" +"I dunno, I've heard it does. It's not like I've tried this before, I guess we'll have to find out, assuming you want to that is…you aren't like Brother Cyrus are you?" +"Hah, no. I just haven't thought about it a lot about it in general. I guess I've got a lot on my mind most of the time." +"I sensed as much, as you always seem to be deep in thought a lot. Is it anything in particular?" You almost want to tell her how your whole experience with the Shadow Guard has most likely been a lot different from everyone else's. How you don't have faith in Dendrin and how you've personally had several frustrating conversations with him. And most importantly how you always wonder if secretly attempting to overthrow the Empire is even going to work in the first place. @@ -11494,11 +11494,11 @@ Normally soldiers would put down the dissension going on in the province, but mo While Brother Shade urges that this would be good time to openly strike, Master Ebon again says no and says the charade still needs to be kept. Even you find this to be a little strange since this would indeed be a good opportunity and judging by some of the other reactions of your fellow shadows they may be in agreement. -""But how are we supposed to hide any potential rebels this time? I mean this is a whole town that the Empire wants us to wipe off the map!"" Sister Bianca exclaims. -""We aren't. We're going to obey the Empire on this one and do exactly what we're told."" Master Ebon says. -""WHAT?! Are you serious? This is supposed to be what we're fighting against! These average ordinary citizens have displayed more courage than you by taking matters into their own hands!"" -""Brother Shade!"" Brother Gray snaps. -""NO, I will not be silent this time! I must speak! We have the resources, we have infiltrated enough! Now is not the time to sneak about in the background, Dendrin wanted us to be free and I won't let you or this doddering old fool hold us back with your indecisiveness any longer!"" +"But how are we supposed to hide any potential rebels this time? I mean this is a whole town that the Empire wants us to wipe off the map!" Sister Bianca exclaims. +"We aren't. We're going to obey the Empire on this one and do exactly what we're told." Master Ebon says. +"WHAT?! Are you serious? This is supposed to be what we're fighting against! These average ordinary citizens have displayed more courage than you by taking matters into their own hands!" +"Brother Shade!" Brother Gray snaps. +"NO, I will not be silent this time! I must speak! We have the resources, we have infiltrated enough! Now is not the time to sneak about in the background, Dendrin wanted us to be free and I won't let you or this doddering old fool hold us back with your indecisiveness any longer!" Without another word, Brother Shade speeds himself up and moves in for the attack. He can't possibly win even if he does reach Master Ebon in time…unless you attempted to help him. > Stop the assassination @@ -11506,65 +11506,65 @@ Brother Shade has gone too far this time in this foolish attempt at a coup. You You speed yourself up and fire your armbow at Shade just as he reaches Master Ebon and Brother Gray. It's not a fatal hit, since your bolt amusingly hits him in the ass; however it's enough to throw him off and whatever power Master Ebon has, he displays it quite prominently when Shade instantly clutches his head as if it's about to explode. While that doesn't happen, he does begin to bleed from his ears and nose. He lets out one long scream of pain before collapsing to floor. -Everyone else stands silent as Brother Gray checks to see if he's dead and then confirms it. You hear a quiet whimper of ""I told him."" come from the crowd. It must be Sister Dusk who was Brother Shade's lover. Even she didn't help him. +Everyone else stands silent as Brother Gray checks to see if he's dead and then confirms it. You hear a quiet whimper of "I told him." come from the crowd. It must be Sister Dusk who was Brother Shade's lover. Even she didn't help him. -""This is a sad day for all shadows. To think that one of our own would…I cannot speak of it…(Sigh) I am only relieved to see that the rest of you still hold more faith in Dendrin than Shade did."" Master Ebon say and then looks at you. +"This is a sad day for all shadows. To think that one of our own would…I cannot speak of it…(Sigh) I am only relieved to see that the rest of you still hold more faith in Dendrin than Shade did." Master Ebon say and then looks at you. -""And I thank you for reacting so quickly brother. I always know your loyalty to Dendrin to be impeccable. I think that's why you need to be one to be in charge of this mission. I know it's grim, but our order has done such deeds in the past. Just think of this as being a means to an end. A means to an end before we're all truly free."" -""I…understand Master Ebon. And I accept your confidence in me."" +"And I thank you for reacting so quickly brother. I always know your loyalty to Dendrin to be impeccable. I think that's why you need to be one to be in charge of this mission. I know it's grim, but our order has done such deeds in the past. Just think of this as being a means to an end. A means to an end before we're all truly free." +"I…understand Master Ebon. And I accept your confidence in me." After some discussion on the events that just occurred you are instructed to gather together some shadows to help you put down the revolt in Hewlif. You already know who you're going to pick though, Murk, Bianca and Talia, though you're sensing they have the recent event on their minds. -""It's just like Master Ebon said, this is just one of the things we have to do before we put our own plan into action."" You say back at your barracks. -""I just don't know. I mean I don't agree with Brother Shade's actions on trying to kill Master Ebon, but he might've had a point about all this waiting around. When ARE we going to strike out against the Empire properly?"" Sister Bianca says. -""Yeah, I mean I know we've had to kill a lot of innocent people here and there for the Empire to keep up appearances, but we're talking about an entire town here. I just don't know…"" Brother Murk says. +"It's just like Master Ebon said, this is just one of the things we have to do before we put our own plan into action." You say back at your barracks. +"I just don't know. I mean I don't agree with Brother Shade's actions on trying to kill Master Ebon, but he might've had a point about all this waiting around. When ARE we going to strike out against the Empire properly?" Sister Bianca says. +"Yeah, I mean I know we've had to kill a lot of innocent people here and there for the Empire to keep up appearances, but we're talking about an entire town here. I just don't know…" Brother Murk says. You can't believe what you're hearing right now. Why all the doubts? Is this the so called faith in Dendrin? You're so frustrated that you lash out. -""Oh for…I thought we were all doing this to serve Dendrin! I mean Master Ebon gets his orders from him and then we follow Master Ebon! It's a hierarchy that I THOUGHT we were supposed to adhere to, that's why I tried to stop Brother Shade in first fucking place! I don't have time for this, look if you lack the stomach to do this, I'll wipe out the entire town myself, and won't think twice about it!"" +"Oh for…I thought we were all doing this to serve Dendrin! I mean Master Ebon gets his orders from him and then we follow Master Ebon! It's a hierarchy that I THOUGHT we were supposed to adhere to, that's why I tried to stop Brother Shade in first fucking place! I don't have time for this, look if you lack the stomach to do this, I'll wipe out the entire town myself, and won't think twice about it!" You turn from your fellows and storm out of Gloom. As you're walking out you can sense other shadows that don't agree with Master Ebon, give you a few glares on the way out. You don't understand any of this. You thought Dendrin's brainwashing technique made them all utterly loyal, you can see now that it has its limits. Granted the only one that actually did anything against the order was Brother Shade, and he at least had enough courage to try to carry out his convictions, unlike the rest who just stood around to watch him die. You find it ironic that you're probably least faithful when it comes to Dendrin himself, yet your loyalty to the order is a lot more secure. On your way to stop at Lenet, you sense someone following you. You turn and see Talia. -""It's you."" -""And a big greeting to you too, brother! Sheesh, I thought you'd wait for me after your rant at least."" -""I didn't think anyone was interested in coming with me."" -""You should know better than that."" -""So you agree with what I did?"" -""Well, I have to admit…and I'd only admit this to you…I sort of thought Brother Shade had a point."" -""Well of course he had a point. I mean for the briefest moment I thought about helping him."" -""You did?"" -""Yes, but I didn't because as far as I'm concerned I've chosen a side and for good or ill I fully intend on carrying out its mission or die trying. So if that means I've got to wipe out every town in the Arat province to bring the Empire down, well so fucking be it."" +"It's you." +"And a big greeting to you too, brother! Sheesh, I thought you'd wait for me after your rant at least." +"I didn't think anyone was interested in coming with me." +"You should know better than that." +"So you agree with what I did?" +"Well, I have to admit…and I'd only admit this to you…I sort of thought Brother Shade had a point." +"Well of course he had a point. I mean for the briefest moment I thought about helping him." +"You did?" +"Yes, but I didn't because as far as I'm concerned I've chosen a side and for good or ill I fully intend on carrying out its mission or die trying. So if that means I've got to wipe out every town in the Arat province to bring the Empire down, well so fucking be it." Talia smiles a bit at your statement. -""Now that is why YOU are the only one worthy of me."" -""Oh, you just picked me because Cyrus turned out to be gay."" -""Ha ha! Nah, I already knew what was up with him even back when we were all in Mistresses class. He was always staring that that one classmate of ours…what was his name…oh yeah Gerald. Can't say I blame him though, Gerald was probably the most handsome in class."" -""Hmm. I didn't take much notice of any of that."" -""No I wouldn't expect you would've. You tended to lurk in the background and just focus on the training and your orders. Though you're still focused on your orders, you're a lot more pro-active about it rather than lurking in the background now. I suppose that sort of unquestioning dedication is what makes you a great fighter though."" +"Now that is why YOU are the only one worthy of me." +"Oh, you just picked me because Cyrus turned out to be gay." +"Ha ha! Nah, I already knew what was up with him even back when we were all in Mistresses class. He was always staring that that one classmate of ours…what was his name…oh yeah Gerald. Can't say I blame him though, Gerald was probably the most handsome in class." +"Hmm. I didn't take much notice of any of that." +"No I wouldn't expect you would've. You tended to lurk in the background and just focus on the training and your orders. Though you're still focused on your orders, you're a lot more pro-active about it rather than lurking in the background now. I suppose that sort of unquestioning dedication is what makes you a great fighter though." You thank Talia for her compliment. For the remainder of journey you and her keep the chatter to a minimum. After all it is true that you do prefer to keep your mind focused on the task at hand. -When you finally arrive near the town of Hewlet, you see a group a ragged Empire soldiers standing nearby. They hardly look like the Empire's ""best"". +When you finally arrive near the town of Hewlet, you see a group a ragged Empire soldiers standing nearby. They hardly look like the Empire's "best". -""Are you the shadow people the Empire sent for?"" one of them asks. He doesn't look very old, in fact he's probably younger than you are. All of them look like that. You didn't realize how bad it was on the Empire's recruitment front. +"Are you the shadow people the Empire sent for?" one of them asks. He doesn't look very old, in fact he's probably younger than you are. All of them look like that. You didn't realize how bad it was on the Empire's recruitment front. -""Yes, yes we are and who are you supposed to be?"" -""I'm private first class Jones and this is my squad. We're sort of supposed to be watching the town. To make sure none of the dissidents attempt to leave it."" -""And?"" -""And what…uh sir?"" Jones asks unsure of how to address you. -""And so have any of them left?"" -""Um, not really. Well I mean I guess a few did before we arrived, but it looks like the rest are hunkered down in the town. I think they're building barricades around it."" -""How come the Empire hasn't sent a company in there to just wipe them out."" -""Not sure sir, but they said it wasn't the army's priority right now and that's what you Shadow Guard were here for."" +"Yes, yes we are and who are you supposed to be?" +"I'm private first class Jones and this is my squad. We're sort of supposed to be watching the town. To make sure none of the dissidents attempt to leave it." +"And?" +"And what…uh sir?" Jones asks unsure of how to address you. +"And so have any of them left?" +"Um, not really. Well I mean I guess a few did before we arrived, but it looks like the rest are hunkered down in the town. I think they're building barricades around it." +"How come the Empire hasn't sent a company in there to just wipe them out." +"Not sure sir, but they said it wasn't the army's priority right now and that's what you Shadow Guard were here for." You shake your head at the absurdity of this. If there was ever a good argument for overthrowing the Empire this would be it. The sheer inefficiency of this is just ridiculous. Instead of having a group of snot-nosed recruits to play sentry, the Empire could've easily sent in a company of well trained troops to put down the fucking uprising and been done with it! Unless the war with the Felkan Kingdom is going a lot worse than you've heard of course. Right now you're glad you decided to aid the Shadow Guard despite your recent frustration with them. -""So uh, where are the rest of your people? Are they invisible or something?"" Jones asks. -""No, it's just us."" You answer. -""…just you? But there's at least two hundred people in that town!"" -""Two hundred? Then that probably means only about fifty have any sort of combat experience, and maybe out of those, ten of which have beyond the basics. The rest…hardly worth thinking about. Still with only two of us here there are bound to be a few escapees. Oh well, we'll do what we can, the rest of you just stay out the way."" +"So uh, where are the rest of your people? Are they invisible or something?" Jones asks. +"No, it's just us." You answer. +"…just you? But there's at least two hundred people in that town!" +"Two hundred? Then that probably means only about fifty have any sort of combat experience, and maybe out of those, ten of which have beyond the basics. The rest…hardly worth thinking about. Still with only two of us here there are bound to be a few escapees. Oh well, we'll do what we can, the rest of you just stay out the way." Due to your cold seriousness, Jones is at a loss of how to respond other than a yes sir. You look at Talia, who nods at you as an indication that she's ready. @@ -11576,14 +11576,14 @@ You sense that Talia feels the same way. The following is a bloodbath, the hapless townspeople are no match for you or Talia. You don't even bother speeding yourself up, you rely on natural raw skill. By the time you've butchered most of the combat capable people, the rest of the townsfolk have either run and hid or tried to run off completely. You catch most of the stragglers though when you find a group of small children cowering in their school house (after running one of their teachers through with a sword) you get an idea. -""Children, this is your lucky day, for today you not only get to be witnesses but also messengers. It is an important message that I want you all to spread to whatever other town you to run to. Tell the people that if they continue to cause trouble, they won't have to fear the Empire, but the Shadows. Oppose the Empire, and you will die. Oppose the Shadows and you will beg for a death that won't come quick enough. We have displayed mercy here today. Remember this."" +"Children, this is your lucky day, for today you not only get to be witnesses but also messengers. It is an important message that I want you all to spread to whatever other town you to run to. Tell the people that if they continue to cause trouble, they won't have to fear the Empire, but the Shadows. Oppose the Empire, and you will die. Oppose the Shadows and you will beg for a death that won't come quick enough. We have displayed mercy here today. Remember this." You then dismiss the children with a wave of your hand who go running and screaming out of the room and probably in several different directions. When you leave the school, Talia waves at you. -""Hey are we chasing these kids down too? I just saw a bunch of them rushing out of the school crying the whole time."" -""No, I sent them off with an important message."" -""Oh, what was it?"" -""Hopefully an incentive for when the big day eventually arrives, the people will be more likely to side with us than the Empire or at least more afraid of us that they won't oppose us. In any case we've done our job here and the Empire shouldn't be bitching about it anymore."" +"Hey are we chasing these kids down too? I just saw a bunch of them rushing out of the school crying the whole time." +"No, I sent them off with an important message." +"Oh, what was it?" +"Hopefully an incentive for when the big day eventually arrives, the people will be more likely to side with us than the Empire or at least more afraid of us that they won't oppose us. In any case we've done our job here and the Empire shouldn't be bitching about it anymore." You and Talia take your leave of the newly created ghost town. You wonder if your small idea will have any effect, probably not, though you guess you won't really know until the day of the big revolt comes. > Years pass... @@ -11601,33 +11601,33 @@ Of course this all makes you wonder what if you hadn't been chosen? What if you' And with that positive thought you fall asleep. As you drift off you find yourself back in the numbness of the void… -""It's finally happened. Rebellion across the Empire. Are you finally satisfied?"" -""I'm satisfied in that I'm glad we've finally stopped sitting on our hands. Why ask me anyway? You're the one that's been guiding the shadows all this time for centuries to rebel. Shouldn't you be the one that's excessively happy about it?"" you ask -""Oh I suppose…"" -""You suppose? I don't get you. You act like you don't care one way or another about it!"" -""Perhaps the time has passed."" -""What?!"" -""Oh don't get me wrong, I once wanted to see the Empire fall because it infringed on my own control over the mortals that were worshipping me at the time. And it's been interesting how over the decades and centuries that my little followers have been building up their strength to defeat them, but quite frankly I figured they would've done it long before then. Now? Well its okay, but I've lost a bit of interest since that time."" +"It's finally happened. Rebellion across the Empire. Are you finally satisfied?" +"I'm satisfied in that I'm glad we've finally stopped sitting on our hands. Why ask me anyway? You're the one that's been guiding the shadows all this time for centuries to rebel. Shouldn't you be the one that's excessively happy about it?" you ask +"Oh I suppose…" +"You suppose? I don't get you. You act like you don't care one way or another about it!" +"Perhaps the time has passed." +"What?!" +"Oh don't get me wrong, I once wanted to see the Empire fall because it infringed on my own control over the mortals that were worshipping me at the time. And it's been interesting how over the decades and centuries that my little followers have been building up their strength to defeat them, but quite frankly I figured they would've done it long before then. Now? Well its okay, but I've lost a bit of interest since that time." If you weren't floating in a void of sensory deprivation you'd yell and scream at Dendrin so loudly that the rage would be felt throughout your body right now. -""But that's your fucking fault. YOU were the one guiding them! If you wanted them to strike before now, you should've made some sort of sign to Master Ebon, or whoever was in charge at the time!"" -""Quite frankly I stopped giving them any advice centuries ago. I found it was much more interesting to see them figure out things on their own. The only time I speak to any of them is during the ceremony process."" -""If that's the case, why all the indoctrination, if you're such a fan of free will?"" -""How long do you think that actually lasts? It's only temporary! Just long enough to get them to have faith in me. Whether they continue to follow me or not is all them and on a related note, whatever so called signs the shadow leaders have been talking about are either ones they made up or made up in their heads. Glad to see Ebon finally decided to get off his ass and do something and be interesting for a change though."" -""So I was right! I've been right all along! You're nothing but a fucking fraud. You're not a god at all."" -""No, Eternal YOU got it wrong. It isn't I who is a fraud. It's the religion itself! I didn't originally call ANYONE to worship me. They did that naturally when one of those big hairless monkeys stumbled into a cave and messed around with some lost magical Derro object that opened up a portal where I dwelled. I was perfectly content spending infinity in my own realm until that time, but things change and I took an interest in these new creatures and their world. Wasn't my fault that they saw me as some deity just because they couldn't comprehend me in any other way."" -""You didn't exactly deter that thinking though."" -""Well you have me there Eternal. And I say so what? I gave these creatures purpose, meaning and even magical power! In return they worship me and serve. If you really think about it, is that not the definition of a god? And so what if I have lost interest in my subjects? True, they have proven loyal, but I grow bored with their antics. I seek other stimulus now."" +"But that's your fucking fault. YOU were the one guiding them! If you wanted them to strike before now, you should've made some sort of sign to Master Ebon, or whoever was in charge at the time!" +"Quite frankly I stopped giving them any advice centuries ago. I found it was much more interesting to see them figure out things on their own. The only time I speak to any of them is during the ceremony process." +"If that's the case, why all the indoctrination, if you're such a fan of free will?" +"How long do you think that actually lasts? It's only temporary! Just long enough to get them to have faith in me. Whether they continue to follow me or not is all them and on a related note, whatever so called signs the shadow leaders have been talking about are either ones they made up or made up in their heads. Glad to see Ebon finally decided to get off his ass and do something and be interesting for a change though." +"So I was right! I've been right all along! You're nothing but a fucking fraud. You're not a god at all." +"No, Eternal YOU got it wrong. It isn't I who is a fraud. It's the religion itself! I didn't originally call ANYONE to worship me. They did that naturally when one of those big hairless monkeys stumbled into a cave and messed around with some lost magical Derro object that opened up a portal where I dwelled. I was perfectly content spending infinity in my own realm until that time, but things change and I took an interest in these new creatures and their world. Wasn't my fault that they saw me as some deity just because they couldn't comprehend me in any other way." +"You didn't exactly deter that thinking though." +"Well you have me there Eternal. And I say so what? I gave these creatures purpose, meaning and even magical power! In return they worship me and serve. If you really think about it, is that not the definition of a god? And so what if I have lost interest in my subjects? True, they have proven loyal, but I grow bored with their antics. I seek other stimulus now." As strange as it may seem you sort of understand Dendrin's point of view. He views humans and mortals in general as you would watch insects. They're interesting to watch for awhile, but after some time has passed you're ready to move on. And really who's to say that if you weren't some powerful being you wouldn't do the same? Still, you have more questions. -""Okay, but why not move on then if you're so bored?"" -""Because I'm not quite THAT bored yet. Besides when you arrived things started to get interesting again. Never had anyone resist my indoctrination so strongly before. I probably could've increased it, but that might've killed you besides I thought it would be more interesting to see if you followed me even without the indoctrination. It's interesting to see that while you have decided to follow the shadow's cause, you have been nothing but indifferent to outright hostile towards the religion even before you found all this out. That displays a grain of imagination and it's mainly why I've been in contact with you. In fact you're about the only mortal I've spoken to on a regular basis in centuries."" -""I guess I'm the lucky one then."" You remark. -""Your sarcasm aside, you actually are lucky, because I'm about to give you some friendly advice. Namely, don't go back to Gloom."" -""What? What are you talking about?"" -""That's all you get Eternal. Heed my advice or don't, it makes no difference to me. Talk to you again later perhaps."" +"Okay, but why not move on then if you're so bored?" +"Because I'm not quite THAT bored yet. Besides when you arrived things started to get interesting again. Never had anyone resist my indoctrination so strongly before. I probably could've increased it, but that might've killed you besides I thought it would be more interesting to see if you followed me even without the indoctrination. It's interesting to see that while you have decided to follow the shadow's cause, you have been nothing but indifferent to outright hostile towards the religion even before you found all this out. That displays a grain of imagination and it's mainly why I've been in contact with you. In fact you're about the only mortal I've spoken to on a regular basis in centuries." +"I guess I'm the lucky one then." You remark. +"Your sarcasm aside, you actually are lucky, because I'm about to give you some friendly advice. Namely, don't go back to Gloom." +"What? What are you talking about?" +"That's all you get Eternal. Heed my advice or don't, it makes no difference to me. Talk to you again later perhaps." Once again you wake up though this time Dendrin gave you some direct information. Quite a bit of it really. You aren't even sure of what to make of all of it. You mean you always knew something was off with the whole shadow religion, but you didn't think he'd actually admit it all to you. Makes you wonder why he did, when he's been so cryptic in the past. Then against perhaps he knows you can't actually tell anyone, or rather you could, but wouldn't be believed and most likely attacked as a heretic. Perhaps that's his little joke on you. Yeah sounds like him. @@ -11641,11 +11641,11 @@ Still all of this might be for naught if something happens to Gloom. You still d > Go back to Gloom yourself Considering you willingly chose to oppose the Empire, you'd say you've already gotten over the whole putting yourself in great danger bit. You might as well go back to Gloom to find out what's going on if anything at all. If something is happening, then you need to help anyway. If something isn't, well nothing will have been lost except time attending your own duties you suppose. Still there isn't any reason for you to hold up the rest of your group. You call to speak to one of your fellow shadows that you believe to be the most skilled. -""Sister Yvette, I need to go back to Gloom and no I can't be talked out of it either, but I assure you it is incredibly important. I want you to take charge of this group until I return. I think you know your mission and I'm sure you'll do a fine job."" -""But brother, your orders from Master Ebon are to stay with this group, and do not need to report your progress. He's busy performing the ritual at Gloom at this time, what is so important that you have to go back?"" -""It's a long story, but let's just say I've had my own personal sign from Dendrin himself."" -""You…you have? Is something bad going to happen? Should we all go with you?!"" -""As I said, you stay here and carry on the fight. I don't know if something bad is going to happen, but if it does, we're going to need shadows like you still doing your job to help bring down the Empire."" +"Sister Yvette, I need to go back to Gloom and no I can't be talked out of it either, but I assure you it is incredibly important. I want you to take charge of this group until I return. I think you know your mission and I'm sure you'll do a fine job." +"But brother, your orders from Master Ebon are to stay with this group, and do not need to report your progress. He's busy performing the ritual at Gloom at this time, what is so important that you have to go back?" +"It's a long story, but let's just say I've had my own personal sign from Dendrin himself." +"You…you have? Is something bad going to happen? Should we all go with you?!" +"As I said, you stay here and carry on the fight. I don't know if something bad is going to happen, but if it does, we're going to need shadows like you still doing your job to help bring down the Empire." Sister Yvette reluctantly agrees though it's apparent she would either prefer to go with you or for you to stay with the group. You don't know why, since she's actually been a shadow longer than you and should have more confidence in her ability to lead, but it's like with anything, some people are just naturally more gifted than others, even if they are supposed to be equals. @@ -11665,38 +11665,38 @@ The other four have now turned their attention to you and while you run around s You decide to back off a bit and reassess the situation, and then you make a complete retreat when the six of them start advancing on your position. Your saving grace is they aren't very fast in that armor and you easily find a storage room to hide in. You think you're alone, but you aren't. -""Brother… I never thought I'd see you again…"" you hear familiar voice struggle to exclaim. +"Brother… I never thought I'd see you again…" you hear familiar voice struggle to exclaim. You turn and see Murk lying in a corner bleeding profusely. One of his hands is missing and he's holding in his innards with the remaining one. -""Murk? What's going on? What's happened here?"" -""It's the Derro…they've returned…(cough) always heard they abandoned this place. Guess they REALLY want it back."" -""The Derro? How? When?"" -""A couple days ago brother. We've been fighting them off here for the past two days, but unsuccessfully I'm afraid. Everything was going well with the ritual and we would've been making a full invasion right in the heart of the capital if they hadn't just suddenly showed up. They disrupted everything. They came out of the damn walls and even from underneath the floors. They aren't as big as us, but the little bastards are the toughest things I've ever encountered and who knows what they look like under all that heavy armor."" -""The Empire is probably behind this attack."" -""Probably, but does it matter? They're killing us and no matter how much we try, we can't beat them!"" -""They can't be invincible. Everything dies."" -""Oh yeah, you can kill 'em, just really hard to, due to all that armor. Even without that, though they seem to have some natural magic resistance. (cough) I saw one of those fuckers take a full blast of shadow fire from Master Ebon himself, and he kept coming at him like a golem. It wasn't until Brother Gray stepped in to help that they turned him into blackened heap of melted metal."" -""Where are Master Ebon and Brother Gray?"" -""Brother Gray is dead. I saw him surrounded and literally torn apart by those things, I mean they (choke) ripped his limbs off like a rag doll…it was horrible. I don't…even want to…"" +"Murk? What's going on? What's happened here?" +"It's the Derro…they've returned…(cough) always heard they abandoned this place. Guess they REALLY want it back." +"The Derro? How? When?" +"A couple days ago brother. We've been fighting them off here for the past two days, but unsuccessfully I'm afraid. Everything was going well with the ritual and we would've been making a full invasion right in the heart of the capital if they hadn't just suddenly showed up. They disrupted everything. They came out of the damn walls and even from underneath the floors. They aren't as big as us, but the little bastards are the toughest things I've ever encountered and who knows what they look like under all that heavy armor." +"The Empire is probably behind this attack." +"Probably, but does it matter? They're killing us and no matter how much we try, we can't beat them!" +"They can't be invincible. Everything dies." +"Oh yeah, you can kill 'em, just really hard to, due to all that armor. Even without that, though they seem to have some natural magic resistance. (cough) I saw one of those fuckers take a full blast of shadow fire from Master Ebon himself, and he kept coming at him like a golem. It wasn't until Brother Gray stepped in to help that they turned him into blackened heap of melted metal." +"Where are Master Ebon and Brother Gray?" +"Brother Gray is dead. I saw him surrounded and literally torn apart by those things, I mean they (choke) ripped his limbs off like a rag doll…it was horrible. I don't…even want to…" Brother Murk begins to get upset, but you really need him to continue so you can get a better idea of how bad this is and maybe find some way of turning it around. -""Murk, what about Master Ebon?"" -""I don't know. Probably dead! Just like Brother Gray and (sob) Bianca…I tried! I tried so hard to save her!"" -""Sister Bianca is dead too?"" -""No, not the last time I saw her. A couple of the Derro were dragging her unconscious battered body in chains to one of their invasion entrances. I've noticed they've been doing that with several of the female shadows. I tried to save her, and what you see before you is the result of my attempted heroics. I know she never saw me as a potential mate, but…I don't want to think about what they'll do to her…(sob)."" +"Murk, what about Master Ebon?" +"I don't know. Probably dead! Just like Brother Gray and (sob) Bianca…I tried! I tried so hard to save her!" +"Sister Bianca is dead too?" +"No, not the last time I saw her. A couple of the Derro were dragging her unconscious battered body in chains to one of their invasion entrances. I've noticed they've been doing that with several of the female shadows. I tried to save her, and what you see before you is the result of my attempted heroics. I know she never saw me as a potential mate, but…I don't want to think about what they'll do to her…(sob)." This new information suddenly makes you ask the question that you're afraid to ask. -""Talia? Did you see them take Talia?"" -""No, brother. I haven't seen Sister Talia since the interruption of the ritual. She may still be alive and fighting. Oh why didn't Dendrin prevent this destruction? Why wasn't this foreseen? We were on the verge of victory and now all is lost!"" Murk cries out. -""Hey! All isn't lost yet! The Empire WILL fall, I promise you."" You say looking at Murk. +"Talia? Did you see them take Talia?" +"No, brother. I haven't seen Sister Talia since the interruption of the ritual. She may still be alive and fighting. Oh why didn't Dendrin prevent this destruction? Why wasn't this foreseen? We were on the verge of victory and now all is lost!" Murk cries out. +"Hey! All isn't lost yet! The Empire WILL fall, I promise you." You say looking at Murk. He manages a faint smile, but his life force is fading fast. -""Perhaps it will brother, but I won't live to see it anymore …I'm sorry for…"" -""Murk, you don't have…"" +"Perhaps it will brother, but I won't live to see it anymore …I'm sorry for…" +"Murk, you don't have…" And you don't bother finishing you sentence. Murk is dead and even though you drifted apart slightly in last few years, you're going to miss him. @@ -11730,14 +11730,14 @@ You immediately speed yourself up and rush to the entrance as you need to get ou With no more hope, you rush into battle in a vain attempt to escape. You don’t make it far, though you give as good of a fight as you can. The battle ultimately ends with you getting an axe in your spine, which is then followed by another axe blow to your left hand severing it. -When you collapse to the ground mercy comes swiftly in the form of a large stone falling on your skull." -"Considering you willingly chose to oppose the Empire, you'd say you've already gotten over the whole putting yourself in great danger bit. You might as well go back to Gloom to find out what's going on if anything at all. If something is happening, then you need to help anyway. If something isn't, well nothing will have been lost except time attending your own duties you suppose. Still there isn't any reason for you to hold up the rest of your group. You call to speak to one of your fellow shadows that you believe to be the most skilled. +When you collapse to the ground mercy comes swiftly in the form of a large stone falling on your skull.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Considering you willingly chose to oppose the Empire, you'd say you've already gotten over the whole putting yourself in great danger bit. You might as well go back to Gloom to find out what's going on if anything at all. If something is happening, then you need to help anyway. If something isn't, well nothing will have been lost except time attending your own duties you suppose. Still there isn't any reason for you to hold up the rest of your group. You call to speak to one of your fellow shadows that you believe to be the most skilled. -""Sister Yvette, I need to go back to Gloom and no I can't be talked out of it either, but I assure you it is incredibly important. I want you to take charge of this group until I return. I think you know your mission and I'm sure you'll do a fine job."" -""But brother, your orders from Master Ebon are to stay with this group, and do not need to report your progress. He's busy performing the ritual at Gloom at this time, what is so important that you have to go back?"" -""It's a long story, but let's just say I've had my own personal sign from Dendrin himself."" -""You…you have? Is something bad going to happen? Should we all go with you?!"" -""As I said, you stay here and carry on the fight. I don't know if something bad is going to happen, but if it does, we're going to need shadows like you still doing your job to help bring down the Empire."" +"Sister Yvette, I need to go back to Gloom and no I can't be talked out of it either, but I assure you it is incredibly important. I want you to take charge of this group until I return. I think you know your mission and I'm sure you'll do a fine job." +"But brother, your orders from Master Ebon are to stay with this group, and do not need to report your progress. He's busy performing the ritual at Gloom at this time, what is so important that you have to go back?" +"It's a long story, but let's just say I've had my own personal sign from Dendrin himself." +"You…you have? Is something bad going to happen? Should we all go with you?!" +"As I said, you stay here and carry on the fight. I don't know if something bad is going to happen, but if it does, we're going to need shadows like you still doing your job to help bring down the Empire." Sister Yvette reluctantly agrees though it's apparent she would either prefer to go with you or for you to stay with the group. You don't know why, since she's actually been a shadow longer than you and should have more confidence in her ability to lead, but it's like with anything, some people are just naturally more gifted than others, even if they are supposed to be equals. @@ -11757,38 +11757,38 @@ The other four have now turned their attention to you and while you run around s You decide to back off a bit and reassess the situation, and then you make a complete retreat when the six of them start advancing on your position. Your saving grace is they aren't very fast in that armor and you easily find a storage room to hide in. You think you're alone, but you aren't. -""Brother… I never thought I'd see you again…"" you hear familiar voice struggle to exclaim. +"Brother… I never thought I'd see you again…" you hear familiar voice struggle to exclaim. You turn and see Murk lying in a corner bleeding profusely. One of his hands is missing and he's holding in his innards with the remaining one. -""Murk? What's going on? What's happened here?"" -""It's the Derro…they've returned…(cough) always heard they abandoned this place. Guess they REALLY want it back."" -""The Derro? How? When?"" -""A couple days ago brother. We've been fighting them off here for the past two days, but unsuccessfully I'm afraid. Everything was going well with the ritual and we would've been making a full invasion right in the heart of the capital if they hadn't just suddenly showed up. They disrupted everything. They came out of the damn walls and even from underneath the floors. They aren't as big as us, but the little bastards are the toughest things I've ever encountered and who knows what they look like under all that heavy armor."" -""The Empire is probably behind this attack."" -""Probably, but does it matter? They're killing us and no matter how much we try, we can't beat them!"" -""They can't be invincible. Everything dies."" -""Oh yeah, you can kill 'em, just really hard to, due to all that armor. Even without that, though they seem to have some natural magic resistance. (cough) I saw one of those fuckers take a full blast of shadow fire from Master Ebon himself, and he kept coming at him like a golem. It wasn't until Brother Gray stepped in to help that they turned him into blackened heap of melted metal."" -""Where are Master Ebon and Brother Gray?"" -""Brother Gray is dead. I saw him surrounded and literally torn apart by those things, I mean they (choke) ripped his limbs off like a rag doll…it was horrible. I don't…even want to…"" +"Murk? What's going on? What's happened here?" +"It's the Derro…they've returned…(cough) always heard they abandoned this place. Guess they REALLY want it back." +"The Derro? How? When?" +"A couple days ago brother. We've been fighting them off here for the past two days, but unsuccessfully I'm afraid. Everything was going well with the ritual and we would've been making a full invasion right in the heart of the capital if they hadn't just suddenly showed up. They disrupted everything. They came out of the damn walls and even from underneath the floors. They aren't as big as us, but the little bastards are the toughest things I've ever encountered and who knows what they look like under all that heavy armor." +"The Empire is probably behind this attack." +"Probably, but does it matter? They're killing us and no matter how much we try, we can't beat them!" +"They can't be invincible. Everything dies." +"Oh yeah, you can kill 'em, just really hard to, due to all that armor. Even without that, though they seem to have some natural magic resistance. (cough) I saw one of those fuckers take a full blast of shadow fire from Master Ebon himself, and he kept coming at him like a golem. It wasn't until Brother Gray stepped in to help that they turned him into blackened heap of melted metal." +"Where are Master Ebon and Brother Gray?" +"Brother Gray is dead. I saw him surrounded and literally torn apart by those things, I mean they (choke) ripped his limbs off like a rag doll…it was horrible. I don't…even want to…" Brother Murk begins to get upset, but you really need him to continue so you can get a better idea of how bad this is and maybe find some way of turning it around. -""Murk, what about Master Ebon?"" -""I don't know. Probably dead! Just like Brother Gray and (sob) Bianca…I tried! I tried so hard to save her!"" -""Sister Bianca is dead too?"" -""No, not the last time I saw her. A couple of the Derro were dragging her unconscious battered body in chains to one of their invasion entrances. I've noticed they've been doing that with several of the female shadows. I tried to save her, and what you see before you is the result of my attempted heroics. I know she never saw me as a potential mate, but…I don't want to think about what they'll do to her…(sob)."" +"Murk, what about Master Ebon?" +"I don't know. Probably dead! Just like Brother Gray and (sob) Bianca…I tried! I tried so hard to save her!" +"Sister Bianca is dead too?" +"No, not the last time I saw her. A couple of the Derro were dragging her unconscious battered body in chains to one of their invasion entrances. I've noticed they've been doing that with several of the female shadows. I tried to save her, and what you see before you is the result of my attempted heroics. I know she never saw me as a potential mate, but…I don't want to think about what they'll do to her…(sob)." This new information suddenly makes you ask the question that you're afraid to ask. -""Talia? Did you see them take Talia?"" -""No, brother. I haven't seen Sister Talia since the interruption of the ritual. She may still be alive and fighting. Oh why didn't Dendrin prevent this destruction? Why wasn't this foreseen? We were on the verge of victory and now all is lost!"" Murk cries out. -""Hey! All isn't lost yet! The Empire WILL fall, I promise you."" You say looking at Murk. +"Talia? Did you see them take Talia?" +"No, brother. I haven't seen Sister Talia since the interruption of the ritual. She may still be alive and fighting. Oh why didn't Dendrin prevent this destruction? Why wasn't this foreseen? We were on the verge of victory and now all is lost!" Murk cries out. +"Hey! All isn't lost yet! The Empire WILL fall, I promise you." You say looking at Murk. He manages a faint smile, but his life force is fading fast. -""Perhaps it will brother, but I won't live to see it anymore …I'm sorry for…"" -""Murk, you don't have…"" +"Perhaps it will brother, but I won't live to see it anymore …I'm sorry for…" +"Murk, you don't have…" And you don't bother finishing you sentence. Murk is dead and even though you drifted apart slightly in last few years, you're going to miss him. @@ -11804,81 +11804,81 @@ As you stick to the ceilings of corridors and rooms you survey the carnage of wh You progressively get more and more discouraged in your search and that's when you hear a voice in your head. Not Dendrin's though, it's distinctly a human one. -""To…the left and down the hall…hurry…not much time…"" you hear Master Ebon say. Lacking any other ideas, you follow his instructions and make your make to his location from where you are. As you do so, you notice there aren't any Derro in this direction, though there are a few dead ones. You're guessing that the rest of their fellows haven't searched this area as much. +"To…the left and down the hall…hurry…not much time…" you hear Master Ebon say. Lacking any other ideas, you follow his instructions and make your make to his location from where you are. As you do so, you notice there aren't any Derro in this direction, though there are a few dead ones. You're guessing that the rest of their fellows haven't searched this area as much. -""The door…at the end…hurry…"" +"The door…at the end…hurry…" Sensing that there are no Derro in the immediate area, you climb down from the ceiling and prepare to enter the door at the end of the corridor. When you arrive in front of it, you hear a loud click as it opens. -""Quick, inside!"" a brother says pulling you in by the arm roughly. +"Quick, inside!" a brother says pulling you in by the arm roughly. A quick glance and you see a couple more shadows both in wounded condition. You then see Master Ebon in some sort of spell trance. He's also wounded, but his status looks a lot worse. He probably shouldn't even be alive with the deep bleeding gashes he displays across his body. A female shadow stands near him also wounded. When you see her face more clearly and recognize her as Talia, your worries are at least divided by half. -""What are you doing here?"" she exclaims. -""I heard the voice of Dendrin and…"" in that moment you realize you've just admitted you've heard his voice for the first time. You then realize this isn't the time to keep it a secret and you continue. ""…he…uh gave me a warning… are you alright?"" -""Just a light wound…wait, you said Dendrin spoke to you? He warned you about the attack?"" -""Well, not in so many words. Look we need get out of here, I can explain everything later."" +"What are you doing here?" she exclaims. +"I heard the voice of Dendrin and…" in that moment you realize you've just admitted you've heard his voice for the first time. You then realize this isn't the time to keep it a secret and you continue. "…he…uh gave me a warning… are you alright?" +"Just a light wound…wait, you said Dendrin spoke to you? He warned you about the attack?" +"Well, not in so many words. Look we need get out of here, I can explain everything later." You then hear Master Ebon's voice again. He still isn't speaking verbally though and is using his mind. -""Dendrin spoke to you? Lucky lad. He hasn't spoken to me since I first became a shadow. I always thought he would eventually, but he never did. I assumed he was testing me, to make my own decisions. Perhaps I offended him by claiming those decisions came from him directly, but I didn't know what else to do…"" -""Master Ebon, we can discuss this later, right now we really need to leave!"" -""Is Master Ebon speaking to you through his mind?"" Talia asks. -""Yes, and what's he doing anyway? He's just sitting there with gashes in his chest deep enough for me to see his heart beating and bleeding out. As I said we need to leave before the Derro kill us all."" +"Dendrin spoke to you? Lucky lad. He hasn't spoken to me since I first became a shadow. I always thought he would eventually, but he never did. I assumed he was testing me, to make my own decisions. Perhaps I offended him by claiming those decisions came from him directly, but I didn't know what else to do…" +"Master Ebon, we can discuss this later, right now we really need to leave!" +"Is Master Ebon speaking to you through his mind?" Talia asks. +"Yes, and what's he doing anyway? He's just sitting there with gashes in his chest deep enough for me to see his heart beating and bleeding out. As I said we need to leave before the Derro kill us all." Master Ebon interrupts you. -""They've already succeeded in killing me I fear, but I still have powerful magic…enough to save the remainder of you…to carry on the fight…"" +"They've already succeeded in killing me I fear, but I still have powerful magic…enough to save the remainder of you…to carry on the fight…" Master Ebon's eyes begin to turn completely black, this is followed by his entire body. A shimmering portal then opens up nearby. -""This…was to take us to strike at the very heart of the Empire…but now just an escape…to friends. Continue the fight there. The Empire will fall as long as you continue to fight. Dendrin I hope you can forgive my failures as I have served to the best of my abilities…I am ready to enter your realm of shadow if you will allow it…"" +"This…was to take us to strike at the very heart of the Empire…but now just an escape…to friends. Continue the fight there. The Empire will fall as long as you continue to fight. Dendrin I hope you can forgive my failures as I have served to the best of my abilities…I am ready to enter your realm of shadow if you will allow it…" -""Master Ebon!"" Talia shouts when she sees his body undergo his transformation. -""He can't be helped and he's giving us a chance to escape. We need to take it now!"" -""But where is it going?"" the shadow that grabbed you by the arm asks. -""He said to friends, but quite frankly it could lead into the middle of an Empire battalion and I think we'd still have better chances! Now come on!"" +"Master Ebon!" Talia shouts when she sees his body undergo his transformation. +"He can't be helped and he's giving us a chance to escape. We need to take it now!" +"But where is it going?" the shadow that grabbed you by the arm asks. +"He said to friends, but quite frankly it could lead into the middle of an Empire battalion and I think we'd still have better chances! Now come on!" Without another word you all enter the portal. Within seconds your eyes are nearly blinded by the whiteness of snow and you feel a blast of cold air whipping around you. -""DIE! Shadow bastard!"" you suddenly hear and turn around just in time to avoid a sword strike to the head. Realizing that this is an Empire soldier and not a Derro, you quickly dispatch your assailant who falls turning the snow red. +"DIE! Shadow bastard!" you suddenly hear and turn around just in time to avoid a sword strike to the head. Realizing that this is an Empire soldier and not a Derro, you quickly dispatch your assailant who falls turning the snow red. When you said being transported into the middle of an Empire battalion would be a better situation, you didn't actually mean it! Fortunately it isn't quite as bad as all that. Getting your bearings you notice you're on a battlefield. The bodies of several Empire troops lay on the ground and are mixed in with those of orcs and shadows. A great fortress looms in the distance. -""Fort Defiance…"" you say to yourself. -""Brother, we're over here!"" one of the shadows calls out to you and you run over to the group. (Apparently, all the others teleported to a place out of immediate danger!) +"Fort Defiance…" you say to yourself. +"Brother, we're over here!" one of the shadows calls out to you and you run over to the group. (Apparently, all the others teleported to a place out of immediate danger!) -""Are we in Rask?"" the shadow who grabbed you asks. You still don't know his name, you can only guess he was one of the newer recruits after you joined. -""Well it doesn't look like Delurg that's for sure. I'm guessing that group ahead of us fighting the Empire troops are our brothers and sisters from Fort Defiance."" Talia says. -""Looks like it, well no time like the present, we need to go help them."" -""But what about those two? They're badly wounded and can't fight properly."" The new shadow asks. -""(Sigh) Very well, you, what's your name anyway?"" -""I'm Brother Gannon. I just joined recently…"" -""Yes brother, we can get all that getting to know you stuff out of the way later. I want you to take those two and head over to that fort in the distance. I'm sure they can get help there. What about you Talia, I know you're wounded too, do you need any first aid?"" +"Are we in Rask?" the shadow who grabbed you asks. You still don't know his name, you can only guess he was one of the newer recruits after you joined. +"Well it doesn't look like Delurg that's for sure. I'm guessing that group ahead of us fighting the Empire troops are our brothers and sisters from Fort Defiance." Talia says. +"Looks like it, well no time like the present, we need to go help them." +"But what about those two? They're badly wounded and can't fight properly." The new shadow asks. +"(Sigh) Very well, you, what's your name anyway?" +"I'm Brother Gannon. I just joined recently…" +"Yes brother, we can get all that getting to know you stuff out of the way later. I want you to take those two and head over to that fort in the distance. I'm sure they can get help there. What about you Talia, I know you're wounded too, do you need any first aid?" Talia draws her weapon. -""I'll worry about my minor cuts after we take care of this Empire scum."" She answers in a harsh tone. -""Okay then let's go down there and drive back the Empire!"" you answer back. +"I'll worry about my minor cuts after we take care of this Empire scum." She answers in a harsh tone. +"Okay then let's go down there and drive back the Empire!" you answer back. You and Talia sprint as fast as you can to where all the action is taking place. Swords are clashed, halberds are swung, skulls are smashed and heads are severed. Mostly all in your favor and the Empire troops were actually losing even before you got here. Still, it's good to be on a winning side of a fight today and you feel energized by the battle. A short reunion occurs as you finish off the last of the stubborn Empire soldiers. -""What the…? What are you doing here?! I thought you were supposed to be in the Quala province!""Cyrus exclaims running his sword through an enemy. -""Things change brother and how have you been doing?"" you answer doing the same. -""We've been getting wave after wave of Empire skirmishers recently, but nothing serious yet. Honestly I would've thought we would've had a full on assault by now. I think they're trying to whittle us down, it won't work though. We're entrenched and have people all over the area slowly turning the population of Rask against them…is that Talia over there? What's SHE doing here? Last I heard she was supposed to be back in Gloom helping with the ritual that Master Ebon and Brother Gray were doing."" -""Like I said, things change Cyrus."" +"What the…? What are you doing here?! I thought you were supposed to be in the Quala province!"Cyrus exclaims running his sword through an enemy. +"Things change brother and how have you been doing?" you answer doing the same. +"We've been getting wave after wave of Empire skirmishers recently, but nothing serious yet. Honestly I would've thought we would've had a full on assault by now. I think they're trying to whittle us down, it won't work though. We're entrenched and have people all over the area slowly turning the population of Rask against them…is that Talia over there? What's SHE doing here? Last I heard she was supposed to be back in Gloom helping with the ritual that Master Ebon and Brother Gray were doing." +"Like I said, things change Cyrus." At this moment there is a lull in the fighting that allows Cyrus to actually stop fighting. He looks at you his expression is one you've never seen before. One of genuine worry. -""Oh no…what happened?"" +"Oh no…what happened?" You don't even know where to begin. -""Cyrus let's just get through this battle and celebrate THIS victory over the Empire. We can dwell on the troubled times to come later."" +"Cyrus let's just get through this battle and celebrate THIS victory over the Empire. We can dwell on the troubled times to come later." The pair of you say nothing more for the rest of the battle which soon ends with your victory. You just wish it was a better one, because it cannot possibly counteract the incredible loss you have suffered this dark day. @@ -11894,76 +11894,76 @@ You really can't pay any more lip service to Dendrin after what you know and it' After Cyrus catches you up on the situation at Rask, you and Talia tell him what happened at Gloom. Talia fills in the details better since she was actually there. Cyrus seems a little distraught at hearing so many shadows dying nevermind losing the shadow home, but he doesn't seem broken in his goals to continue to fight the Empire. -""It doesn't matter, we've still got agents in the Quala province and other places. Once we reconnect with the various cells we can regroup. We need to tell the others here though now, the sooner we get this information out the way the quicker they can deal with the loss. The Empire is desperate and we'll overcome whatever else they decide to throw at us because Dendrin will see us to victory."" -""Yeah, about that I've got some more to tell you, in fact Talia you'll want to hear this as well. And before I start I need to both to not interrupt until I'm finished. Afterwards you can do what you like."" +"It doesn't matter, we've still got agents in the Quala province and other places. Once we reconnect with the various cells we can regroup. We need to tell the others here though now, the sooner we get this information out the way the quicker they can deal with the loss. The Empire is desperate and we'll overcome whatever else they decide to throw at us because Dendrin will see us to victory." +"Yeah, about that I've got some more to tell you, in fact Talia you'll want to hear this as well. And before I start I need to both to not interrupt until I'm finished. Afterwards you can do what you like." -This gets their attention and they sit down to listen to your tale. You start from the moment Dendrin first spoke to you and go from there. The look on both of their faces is first one of shock then as you explain more, Cyrus' face is one of calmness with a simmering anger that is only growing with every ""blasphemy"" you speak about Dendrin. He eventually closes his eyes as if blocking out the sight of you will help keep him from attacking you. +This gets their attention and they sit down to listen to your tale. You start from the moment Dendrin first spoke to you and go from there. The look on both of their faces is first one of shock then as you explain more, Cyrus' face is one of calmness with a simmering anger that is only growing with every "blasphemy" you speak about Dendrin. He eventually closes his eyes as if blocking out the sight of you will help keep him from attacking you. Talia's expression displays more of a concern than anger. You aren't sure if it's because she believes you or is pained by the idea that someone she loves is basically speaking out against something she has placed unwavering faith in. You'll soon find out you suppose. When you finish, there is a moment of silence and then Cyrus takes a deep and opens his eyes. You feel him staring right through you and you are ready to fight if necessary, but he speaks instead. -""Is that it?"" he asks. -""Yes."" You reply. -""What the hell do you hope to gain by this?"" -""Wha? Nothing, I just feel that the…"" -""And I'm supposed to believe this shit?"" -""Believe what you want Cyrus, it's the truth."" -""No, it isn't! Look I can believe that Dendrin perhaps warned you about Gloom because it was a dire situation, but I DO NOT BELIEVE…"" Cyrus catches himself raising his voice and then stops to calm down again. +"Is that it?" he asks. +"Yes." You reply. +"What the hell do you hope to gain by this?" +"Wha? Nothing, I just feel that the…" +"And I'm supposed to believe this shit?" +"Believe what you want Cyrus, it's the truth." +"No, it isn't! Look I can believe that Dendrin perhaps warned you about Gloom because it was a dire situation, but I DO NOT BELIEVE…" Cyrus catches himself raising his voice and then stops to calm down again. -""I do not believe that you were speaking to him on a regular basis. Only Master Ebon could speak with him in such a manner!"" -""He couldn't speak to Dendrin at all! He even admitted as much before he died! Talia was there for that, come on back me up here!"" +"I do not believe that you were speaking to him on a regular basis. Only Master Ebon could speak with him in such a manner!" +"He couldn't speak to Dendrin at all! He even admitted as much before he died! Talia was there for that, come on back me up here!" Talia turns away and hides her face. It's obvious now that she believes you, but doesn't WANT to believe you. Her silence though doesn't help in convincing Cyrus. -""Just because you're mates doesn't mean you're allowed to bully her into your heretical way of thinking!"" -""What? No! Look, I can drag in Brother Gannon and confirm it as well since I'm pretty sure he heard everything as well!"" -""No, you're not poisoning anyone else with this shit. I can't believe…I mean where do I fucking start? You've stood here and just admitted that you've never been a believer in Dendrin! That's the whole foundation of our organization!"" -""Okay first of all I never said I didn't believe in him. He's very real and I know because he's been playing games with the shadows for centuries and fucking with my head since I met the bastard."" -""Yes, so you've said. So why you? You say that when you first met him during the ceremony that you resisted him and then gave in only to save your own life. You even said you still weren't sure if you weren't going to turn us all in to Mr. Mol when he questioned us that one time. Why would Dendrin speak with someone whose faith in him was so lacking?"" -""Fuck, I don't know Cyrus! Don't you think I've tried to figure that out? My best assessment? He's a sadistic fucker that gets bored easily so he finds new ways to amuse himself."" -""You insult Dendrin one more time and it'll be your last."" Cyrus warns. -""Oh fuck you Cyrus, you've wanted to kill me since we were Mistresses class. Just admit it and stop hiding behind an excuse."" -""Really? Is that what you think? Because if it is, then you're wrong about that as well. Yes, it's true I didn't like you for a long time, but after that moment when all of us walked out of Mr. Mol's interrogation room without betraying the shadows and staying true to the cause my opinion of you changed. I saw then we really were as brothers. Pity it turned out to be a lie. A horrible vicious lie."" +"Just because you're mates doesn't mean you're allowed to bully her into your heretical way of thinking!" +"What? No! Look, I can drag in Brother Gannon and confirm it as well since I'm pretty sure he heard everything as well!" +"No, you're not poisoning anyone else with this shit. I can't believe…I mean where do I fucking start? You've stood here and just admitted that you've never been a believer in Dendrin! That's the whole foundation of our organization!" +"Okay first of all I never said I didn't believe in him. He's very real and I know because he's been playing games with the shadows for centuries and fucking with my head since I met the bastard." +"Yes, so you've said. So why you? You say that when you first met him during the ceremony that you resisted him and then gave in only to save your own life. You even said you still weren't sure if you weren't going to turn us all in to Mr. Mol when he questioned us that one time. Why would Dendrin speak with someone whose faith in him was so lacking?" +"Fuck, I don't know Cyrus! Don't you think I've tried to figure that out? My best assessment? He's a sadistic fucker that gets bored easily so he finds new ways to amuse himself." +"You insult Dendrin one more time and it'll be your last." Cyrus warns. +"Oh fuck you Cyrus, you've wanted to kill me since we were Mistresses class. Just admit it and stop hiding behind an excuse." +"Really? Is that what you think? Because if it is, then you're wrong about that as well. Yes, it's true I didn't like you for a long time, but after that moment when all of us walked out of Mr. Mol's interrogation room without betraying the shadows and staying true to the cause my opinion of you changed. I saw then we really were as brothers. Pity it turned out to be a lie. A horrible vicious lie." At this point Talia steps in. -""So where does this leave us?"" -""What do you mean?"" you ask. -""I mean you've been keeping this all a secret for years. Why tell us now when things are at their worst for us?"" -""I…don't know. Maybe because things ARE at their worst and if we're going to continue this fight against the Empire, then we need to do it for the right reasons rather than for the misguided devotion of a false god…"" -""DENDRIN IS NOT A FALSE GOD!"" Cyrus snaps and attempts to tackle you. You and he roll around on the floor punching each other for a while until you both finally break a few pieces of furniture and back off to catch a breather. Talia tells the both of you stop fighting. +"So where does this leave us?" +"What do you mean?" you ask. +"I mean you've been keeping this all a secret for years. Why tell us now when things are at their worst for us?" +"I…don't know. Maybe because things ARE at their worst and if we're going to continue this fight against the Empire, then we need to do it for the right reasons rather than for the misguided devotion of a false god…" +"DENDRIN IS NOT A FALSE GOD!" Cyrus snaps and attempts to tackle you. You and he roll around on the floor punching each other for a while until you both finally break a few pieces of furniture and back off to catch a breather. Talia tells the both of you stop fighting. As you stare at him from across the room, you know that some part of him must be questioning his beliefs. If he really thought you were completely full of shit, he would've made more of an effort to try to kill you. And this scuffle tells you is he's pissed at you for making him question his beliefs. Still doesn't mean he won't try to kill you later if you press this issue, but it's more than you could've hoped for. -""Look Cyrus, I know this sucks and maybe Dendrin is a god… I know he certainly thinks he is, but I'm still not following him. It's enough that I have to listen to his cryptic warnings and outright taunts on a random basis. I do see the need for the Empire to fall because it's corrupt, it's inefficient, and it's oppressive. However, I also see that in this shadow organization. How can you be against something when you're part of something else that's just as bad?"" +"Look Cyrus, I know this sucks and maybe Dendrin is a god… I know he certainly thinks he is, but I'm still not following him. It's enough that I have to listen to his cryptic warnings and outright taunts on a random basis. I do see the need for the Empire to fall because it's corrupt, it's inefficient, and it's oppressive. However, I also see that in this shadow organization. How can you be against something when you're part of something else that's just as bad?" Cyrus doesn't answer he's still standing there fuming at you, but Talia says something. -""I understand what you're saying, but Dendrin has at least given us our powers and shadow magic. Maybe everything what you've said about him is true, but does it really matter? In a way he sparked this rebellion centuries before any of us were even around. Without him, would their even been a rebellion able to hurt the Empire as bad as it has? I mean even with all that happened at Gloom, I still believe as Cyrus does that victory will come. I'm sure the orcs, the elves, the poor, the criminals and others all have their own reasons for wanting to see the Empire fall. Does it really matter why as long their beliefs carry them to see it through?"" -""(Sigh) No, I guess it doesn't Talia, but maybe for ME it does and I can't be a shadow anymore, or at least not one that buys into this worship of Dendrin. I can't live a lie and just go through the motions anymore. Now I will continue to fight the Empire. I'm still here for that, if I wasn't I would've betrayed you all to Mr. Mol years ago. Though I might be fighting the damned Empire for the most cliché reason ever now, which is love. When we bonded Talia, that's what gave me more of a purpose to fight the Empire more than anything. It's why I even went back to Gloom AFTER Dendrin told me not to. I couldn't leave you in potential danger."" -""Oh fucking spare me your romantic sense of nobility!"" -""Cyrus stop!"" Talia yells. -""He's just using honeyed words to get you on his side and somehow excuse his blasphemy. I can't believe you're even listening to him or even trying to see his side of things."" -""Oh really Cyrus and your reasons for fighting the Empire are purely for Dendrin huh?"" you say. -""Of course, why else would they be?"" -""Oh I don't know, maybe a certain shadow by the name of Draven comes to mind? Sure you aren't just a little more dedicated because of him?"" -""You leave Draven out of this!"" -""Fine, but your little outburst just proved my point. You're ready to fight me again just for mentioning his name which proves you might be doing a little of this for love as well."" -""I'm ready to fight you again, because you're attempting to sew chaos and dissent and I for one have had enough! If you want to abandon Dendrin fine. If you want to continue fighting the Empire for your own reasons fine. But you're not doing it here. I want you out of my fucking fort and I don't want to see you ever again!"" -""You can't kick me out, you're not head of the fucking shadows."" You laugh. -""Oh no? All of our leaders are dead! WE are the next in line if you haven't noticed and quite frankly I've got more support than you do. Always have. And if I wanted to I could expose your heresy to the shadows in the fort and have your head right now. The only reason why I'm not? Because I'm doing this out of respect for Talia and at one time I did consider you my brother. But you're nothing to me now. You're not an ally, you're not a brother, you're not a friend!"" +"I understand what you're saying, but Dendrin has at least given us our powers and shadow magic. Maybe everything what you've said about him is true, but does it really matter? In a way he sparked this rebellion centuries before any of us were even around. Without him, would their even been a rebellion able to hurt the Empire as bad as it has? I mean even with all that happened at Gloom, I still believe as Cyrus does that victory will come. I'm sure the orcs, the elves, the poor, the criminals and others all have their own reasons for wanting to see the Empire fall. Does it really matter why as long their beliefs carry them to see it through?" +"(Sigh) No, I guess it doesn't Talia, but maybe for ME it does and I can't be a shadow anymore, or at least not one that buys into this worship of Dendrin. I can't live a lie and just go through the motions anymore. Now I will continue to fight the Empire. I'm still here for that, if I wasn't I would've betrayed you all to Mr. Mol years ago. Though I might be fighting the damned Empire for the most cliché reason ever now, which is love. When we bonded Talia, that's what gave me more of a purpose to fight the Empire more than anything. It's why I even went back to Gloom AFTER Dendrin told me not to. I couldn't leave you in potential danger." +"Oh fucking spare me your romantic sense of nobility!" +"Cyrus stop!" Talia yells. +"He's just using honeyed words to get you on his side and somehow excuse his blasphemy. I can't believe you're even listening to him or even trying to see his side of things." +"Oh really Cyrus and your reasons for fighting the Empire are purely for Dendrin huh?" you say. +"Of course, why else would they be?" +"Oh I don't know, maybe a certain shadow by the name of Draven comes to mind? Sure you aren't just a little more dedicated because of him?" +"You leave Draven out of this!" +"Fine, but your little outburst just proved my point. You're ready to fight me again just for mentioning his name which proves you might be doing a little of this for love as well." +"I'm ready to fight you again, because you're attempting to sew chaos and dissent and I for one have had enough! If you want to abandon Dendrin fine. If you want to continue fighting the Empire for your own reasons fine. But you're not doing it here. I want you out of my fucking fort and I don't want to see you ever again!" +"You can't kick me out, you're not head of the fucking shadows." You laugh. +"Oh no? All of our leaders are dead! WE are the next in line if you haven't noticed and quite frankly I've got more support than you do. Always have. And if I wanted to I could expose your heresy to the shadows in the fort and have your head right now. The only reason why I'm not? Because I'm doing this out of respect for Talia and at one time I did consider you my brother. But you're nothing to me now. You're not an ally, you're not a brother, you're not a friend!" You look over to Talia hoping for support, but she offers none. -""Talia, aren't you going to help me over here? All your professed love for me meaning nothing? Aren't we supposed to be mates?"" -""And we always will be my love…but I cannot follow your path. I just can't…I'm sorry…"" -""But…"" you start to say, but you see that it won't do any good. You thought you were getting through to them too, but it would appear that even in the face of the truth, they are willing to stay in denial. Not even love can overcome faith it seems. +"Talia, aren't you going to help me over here? All your professed love for me meaning nothing? Aren't we supposed to be mates?" +"And we always will be my love…but I cannot follow your path. I just can't…I'm sorry…" +"But…" you start to say, but you see that it won't do any good. You thought you were getting through to them too, but it would appear that even in the face of the truth, they are willing to stay in denial. Not even love can overcome faith it seems. You gather up all your belongings and start to leave, but you turn to address both of them before doing so. -""You both know I'm right and you know why? Because all three of us have another bond and that's the fact we're Eternals and as such we have a tendency to acknowledge a hierarchy especially among our own kind even if we don't want to do it. Cyrus, I'm stronger than you, I'm smarter than you and just better than you in general. You've always known that. If we were in any other organization, I would be your superior officer or leader and what I would say would be unquestioned because you'd know that as your superior, I'd ALWAYS be right. You just can’t admit it to yourself and let's face it, given how you flaunted how much support you had and how our leaders are dead, I'd say your true Eternal colors are finally showing. Talia…well I think you know where we stand. You were the one that brought up our bond as Eternals years ago. One would think that you would be listening to that instinct now, but for some reason you're not. When you're ready to tell me, I'll be around."" +"You both know I'm right and you know why? Because all three of us have another bond and that's the fact we're Eternals and as such we have a tendency to acknowledge a hierarchy especially among our own kind even if we don't want to do it. Cyrus, I'm stronger than you, I'm smarter than you and just better than you in general. You've always known that. If we were in any other organization, I would be your superior officer or leader and what I would say would be unquestioned because you'd know that as your superior, I'd ALWAYS be right. You just can’t admit it to yourself and let's face it, given how you flaunted how much support you had and how our leaders are dead, I'd say your true Eternal colors are finally showing. Talia…well I think you know where we stand. You were the one that brought up our bond as Eternals years ago. One would think that you would be listening to that instinct now, but for some reason you're not. When you're ready to tell me, I'll be around." With those last words you leave Fort Defiance wondering if they'll ever face the truth. In the mean time you now have to figure out how to fight a one man war against the Empire. A daunting task to be sure, but part of you feels strangely free now that you've officially broken away from the shadows. Time will tell if you've broken away from Dendrin however. > Time passes… @@ -12037,8 +12037,8 @@ It doesn’t give much of one though; Kane’s slaughtered so many shadows tryin Bleeding from your head and lying prone of the floor isn’t a great position during any sort of fight and this one is no exception. Kane wastes no time in finishing you off with an axe blow to your face. -The Butcher of Rask has claimed another victory." -"Year 30 +The Butcher of Rask has claimed another victory.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 30 You throw another log on to the fire in an effort to keep warm. A futile task, but it's better than freezing. You'd like to stay in a town, but Empire troops seem to be everywhere in Rask nowadays ever since they halted the war with the Felkan Kingdom. From what you hear it wasn't exactly on favorable terms either, but you imagine that they needed to just so they had enough manpower to fight the rebellion. @@ -12092,16 +12092,16 @@ You decide to head to the local tavern and take in some of the atmosphere. You o You sit there a few hours and then finally some Empire soldiers come through the door. The tavern gets a bit quieter and that's when you decide to make things louder again. -""Hey barkeep! Gimme another ale!"" you shout walking up to the bar interrupting the soldiers who were attempting to order their own drinks. -""Uh, hold on sir. I just have to serve these gentlemen first."" -""Oh come on, I was here first and they aren't supposed to be drinking on the job anyway!"" +"Hey barkeep! Gimme another ale!" you shout walking up to the bar interrupting the soldiers who were attempting to order their own drinks. +"Uh, hold on sir. I just have to serve these gentlemen first." +"Oh come on, I was here first and they aren't supposed to be drinking on the job anyway!" At this point one of the soldiers addresses you. -""We happen to be off duty right now citizen."" -""Off duty? When there are rebels running around all over the place? What the hell man? You should be out there killing the sons of bitches, not getting drunk!"" -""I can assure you we are, and citizen you need to calm down."" -""Why is it taking so long anyway? Is that captain of yours just sitting on his fat ass in that fort all day while rebels terrorize the area? I thought the Empire was supposed to be doing something about it, but it looks like it's as impotent as ever!"" +"We happen to be off duty right now citizen." +"Off duty? When there are rebels running around all over the place? What the hell man? You should be out there killing the sons of bitches, not getting drunk!" +"I can assure you we are, and citizen you need to calm down." +"Why is it taking so long anyway? Is that captain of yours just sitting on his fat ass in that fort all day while rebels terrorize the area? I thought the Empire was supposed to be doing something about it, but it looks like it's as impotent as ever!" At this point now several bar patrons start to take notice, some try to get you to calm down, others just outright leave. The soldiers to your surprise haven't tried to kill you yet. It's almost like they're trying to diffuse the situation and dismiss you as some loudmouth drunk because all they really want to do is relax after a long day. Oddly enough, you can understand it, unfortunately you can't relax either. @@ -12109,10 +12109,10 @@ You step it up and physically push one of the soldiers. That does it, and the sw Three bodies lay at your feet and several patrons are in shock along with a very scarred bartender. -""What the fuck did you just do? We're all dead men!"" he screams. -""You were dead long before I got here. Now if you want to live, you'll help me fight these Empire assholes and get them the hell out of this town."" -""You dumb fuck, don't you realize they'll just send more troops? The Butcher of Rask himself will probably come here himself and lay waste to the entire town!"" -""That's what I'm counting on. Now I know this place still has rebellion sympathies, and I'm telling you right now, if you really want to be free of the Empire you'll start helping me rather than hiding…or don't if your conviction is lacking. Either way I'm stepping outside and I'm going to be killing Empire soldiers and I'm not stopping until all of them are fucking dead. Do what you like."" +"What the fuck did you just do? We're all dead men!" he screams. +"You were dead long before I got here. Now if you want to live, you'll help me fight these Empire assholes and get them the hell out of this town." +"You dumb fuck, don't you realize they'll just send more troops? The Butcher of Rask himself will probably come here himself and lay waste to the entire town!" +"That's what I'm counting on. Now I know this place still has rebellion sympathies, and I'm telling you right now, if you really want to be free of the Empire you'll start helping me rather than hiding…or don't if your conviction is lacking. Either way I'm stepping outside and I'm going to be killing Empire soldiers and I'm not stopping until all of them are fucking dead. Do what you like." You take your leave at this point and face the small platoon of soldiers that is running in your direction. You don't use any shadow magic, just pure skill to put soldier after soldier down. After you've killed about six of them in the open street, some of the citizens actually start growing a backbone and begin to help. @@ -12120,29 +12120,29 @@ A riot ensues and you've accomplished your mission. The remaining soldiers are q Your escape back into the wilderness isn't completely unnoticed though and you draw your weapon again when you sense yourself being followed. -""Alright I know somebody is following me…shadowing me even. Might as well come out now so we can get this over with because no cloak is going to help hide you."" +"Alright I know somebody is following me…shadowing me even. Might as well come out now so we can get this over with because no cloak is going to help hide you." A lone shadow materializes. To your surprise it's Brother Gannon. He's little older now and a lot more worn looking, almost beaten. He has no intention of trying to kill you. -""Did you have to do that? That place was one of the few towns left that was still able to sneak supplies to us! When Kane finds out what happened he's going to destroy the place! We're suffering from a lack of supplies and allies as it is!"" he exclaims. -""Yeah? Well maybe if Cyrus was taking a more personal hand in this war like I just did, he'd be inspiring more people to follow him more openly. What the hell happened to him? I've been out here on my own for five fucking years and I've seen nothing but Cyrus make mistake after mistake! Pulling back and attempting to lay low? Losing your orc allies? Not reconnecting with the shadows south of Rask?"" -""Actually we did try to do that, but…(sigh) nevermind you're right it's all gone horribly wrong. Master Cyrus' leadership isn't like Master Ebon's. I mean I know he's the one that's guiding us and speaking to Dendrin personally, but his need for control is so uncompromising sometimes. As much as I hate it, I'm actually glad I got assigned to be this town's liaison, anything to be out of that fort! He keeps saying that Dendrin won't let us lose and that final victory will come, but it seems so bleak now. I'm trying to keep the faith, I'm really trying, but…oh why won't Dendrin just hear our prayers and help us now?"" +"Did you have to do that? That place was one of the few towns left that was still able to sneak supplies to us! When Kane finds out what happened he's going to destroy the place! We're suffering from a lack of supplies and allies as it is!" he exclaims. +"Yeah? Well maybe if Cyrus was taking a more personal hand in this war like I just did, he'd be inspiring more people to follow him more openly. What the hell happened to him? I've been out here on my own for five fucking years and I've seen nothing but Cyrus make mistake after mistake! Pulling back and attempting to lay low? Losing your orc allies? Not reconnecting with the shadows south of Rask?" +"Actually we did try to do that, but…(sigh) nevermind you're right it's all gone horribly wrong. Master Cyrus' leadership isn't like Master Ebon's. I mean I know he's the one that's guiding us and speaking to Dendrin personally, but his need for control is so uncompromising sometimes. As much as I hate it, I'm actually glad I got assigned to be this town's liaison, anything to be out of that fort! He keeps saying that Dendrin won't let us lose and that final victory will come, but it seems so bleak now. I'm trying to keep the faith, I'm really trying, but…oh why won't Dendrin just hear our prayers and help us now?" -You shake your head and smile at the delusion that continues to plague the shadows. ""Why should he? It's more amusing for him to see you all desperately try to squirm out of your hopeless situation."" +You shake your head and smile at the delusion that continues to plague the shadows. "Why should he? It's more amusing for him to see you all desperately try to squirm out of your hopeless situation." This cynical (yet true) answer is met with a dead silence. Poor Gannon looks so forlorn that he's probably agreeing with you in his head. Gannon might come in useful though so you decide to try to not break his spirit completely. -""However, MAYBE Dendrin did answer your prayers, namely in the form of me. I probably just bought you all a little more time."" You add. -""What? Your big plan to kill Kane? The Butcher of Rask? I heard you down there in the tavern! If Captain Kane even comes he's going to come with a company of elite soldiers not by himself! Besides, Cyrus sent the best shadows against him and he's killed them all! Why do you think you have a chance?"" -""Simple. I'm an Eternal and if Cyrus remembered that he was instead some Dendrin worshipping fool, we wouldn't be in this situation now."" -""Yeah? Well Sister Talia is one of you Eternals too, she could've done something as well. I don't see you blaming her."" +"However, MAYBE Dendrin did answer your prayers, namely in the form of me. I probably just bought you all a little more time." You add. +"What? Your big plan to kill Kane? The Butcher of Rask? I heard you down there in the tavern! If Captain Kane even comes he's going to come with a company of elite soldiers not by himself! Besides, Cyrus sent the best shadows against him and he's killed them all! Why do you think you have a chance?" +"Simple. I'm an Eternal and if Cyrus remembered that he was instead some Dendrin worshipping fool, we wouldn't be in this situation now." +"Yeah? Well Sister Talia is one of you Eternals too, she could've done something as well. I don't see you blaming her." You grab Gannon by his collar before he can react. You stop yourself from killing him, because you know he's just pissed at his lot in life right now. Not to mention he's got a point. -""You know what you're right. She could've. It's not really important right now though, what IS important is that we get prepared for Kane's arrival."" -""We?"" -""Oh yes. You want to help turn things around, you'll help me."" -""How?"" +"You know what you're right. She could've. It's not really important right now though, what IS important is that we get prepared for Kane's arrival." +"We?" +"Oh yes. You want to help turn things around, you'll help me." +"How?" How is a good question. The easiest way is to have him help you organize the townsfolk so that they can at least put up a good fight against the soldiers while you take care of Kane. @@ -12150,8 +12150,8 @@ The long shot would be to send him back to Fort Destiny to explain your plan and > Send Gannon back While the people of this town can probably put up a bit of resistance, they aren't going to last too long if Gannon is to be believed. You need some help of worth, so you tell Gannon that he needs to go report back to his master. -""What? Master Cyrus isn't going send anyone to help a heretic like you!"" -""He will if he wants to keep this town still supplying you lot. I'm not asking him to come down here himself, since I know that would be too much for him now, but I'm saying he could at least send some shadows down here to help kill someone who is detrimental in your continued existence. However, regardless of what you or Cyrus decide I’m going to be fighting the Empire, because contrary to popular belief, I'm not your enemy.” +"What? Master Cyrus isn't going send anyone to help a heretic like you!" +"He will if he wants to keep this town still supplying you lot. I'm not asking him to come down here himself, since I know that would be too much for him now, but I'm saying he could at least send some shadows down here to help kill someone who is detrimental in your continued existence. However, regardless of what you or Cyrus decide I’m going to be fighting the Empire, because contrary to popular belief, I'm not your enemy.” And with those words you head back to your campsite to get prepared. You check up on the town the next day and see they’re already starting to barricade the place. If they’re lucky, you figure they’ll only lose about a half of the town before the battle is over. A couple days later you scout a little further south of Volgst and that’s when you see a large group of soldiers approaching. Several on horseback, many more on foot and unfortunately a single catapult as well. If Kane is actually with them, you’d guess he’d be on horseback, but then you can’t tell at this distance. @@ -12295,8 +12295,8 @@ You do about as well as someone could be expected against an army of eternals. M You last dying thoughts are how these new eternals might be young but they’re already vicious bastards. Didn’t seem very disciplined though. Who knows, perhaps they will eventually become a problem for the very Empire that created them. -You certainly did." -"Year 31 +You certainly did.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 31 Sometimes it seems surreal that the Empire hasn’t attempted to retake Rask yet, but then there have been a few major changes all decidedly not in the favor of the Empire. @@ -12690,8 +12690,8 @@ You’re just about to lunge at her, when her sense that someone is near causes You manage to spin around and muster enough of a fight to dispatch a couple of the eternals advancing on you, but even you can’t hold your ground against such odds with a sharp object puncturing your vital organs. Even speeding yourself up only serves to prolong the inevitable and you eventually succumb to the onslaught. -As for the girl she didn’t get far and the eternals make good on finishing her off this time." -"Dendrin can chatter in your ear all he wants it’s not going to make you change how you want to live your life. What the hell has he ever done for you? +As for the girl she didn’t get far and the eternals make good on finishing her off this time.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Dendrin can chatter in your ear all he wants it’s not going to make you change how you want to live your life. What the hell has he ever done for you? You the sleep the rest of the night in your bed and most of the day as well. In fact you don’t leave the sanctuary for over a month. Eventually you start to get restless again and you go for a walk in the middle of the night. @@ -13075,8 +13075,8 @@ You approach Talia’s grave. “I should’ve done this a long time ago.” You say and thrust your blade into yourself. -You fall beside Talia’s grave as your life force drains out. Your last thoughts are peaceful ones." -"Lena will probably go whether you do or not so you might as well go with her to keep her safer. You can also continue training her which can only help in her survival. You also enjoy Lena’s company too and your spirits haven’t been remotely this high for a long time. +You fall beside Talia’s grave as your life force drains out. Your last thoughts are peaceful ones.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Lena will probably go whether you do or not so you might as well go with her to keep her safer. You can also continue training her which can only help in her survival. You also enjoy Lena’s company too and your spirits haven’t been remotely this high for a long time. “Slow down girl, we’ll get to them eventually. They aren’t going anywhere. Right now we should take a break before planning our next attack.” @@ -13175,8 +13175,8 @@ You pick up Lena in an attempt to stand her up and while she’s practically dea “Do…you ever regret saving me?” Lena asks. “Never.” You tell her and kiss her one more time before exiting the cabin with her. -You and Lena make it five steps before the svelk open fire on you with their crossbows." -"If Lena’s gone ahead without heeding your warnings, she’s going to have to fend for herself, because there’s no way you’re taking chances with just the word of this asshole. +You and Lena make it five steps before the svelk open fire on you with their crossbows.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>If Lena’s gone ahead without heeding your warnings, she’s going to have to fend for herself, because there’s no way you’re taking chances with just the word of this asshole. “If you paid attention to history and old stories like you say you do, then you’d also know that I was never one to show mercy to my enemies. You’re a bigger fool than your friend Brutus if you’re thinking I’m going to let you go for any reason.” “I had to try.” The eternal says with a resigned sigh. He turns and nods to his cohorts and they scatter in different directions while he advances on you. @@ -13801,8 +13801,8 @@ As you drag your bloodied body out of New Gloom it is at that moment you realize “Talia… I have tried to do the right thing whenever I could, but everyone I’ve ever cared about has either died or in this last case pushed me away. There is no longer a place for me in this world. I come to join you at last and put aside this life time of anguish once and for all.” -You lie down beside Talia’s grave and thrust your blade into yourself." -"Year 75 +You lie down beside Talia’s grave and thrust your blade into yourself.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 75 “Well the liberation of Delerg seems to be going better this time around, Triumph has been seized. Let’s hope when Tulla wins this war, it’ll stay free of petty dictators once and for all.” You say to Talia. @@ -13944,8 +13944,8 @@ You’re not getting any more information out of Dendrin, he’s back to being h You eventually wake up. You brush the dirt off of yourself and groggily look over at Talia’s grave. -“Well Talia, Dendrin say’s he’s leaving me alone for a long time. I guess you were right, he does eventually answer all prayers.”" -"Year 70 +“Well Talia, Dendrin say’s he’s leaving me alone for a long time. I guess you were right, he does eventually answer all prayers.”<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 70 As the years go by, you know that day is coming soon that you won’t and shouldn’t keep Tulla sheltered from the surface too much longer. Granted you’ll still be with her when that day comes, but having been to the surface every once in a while to keep apprised of the situation, Delerg still isn’t exactly the friendliest place. @@ -14096,8 +14096,8 @@ Years pass into decades and you live long enough to see the Nalin Empire embark You never do see her again. You never know if she was killed or if she was just on assigned elsewhere. -Eventually your last remaining years are spent as you most often lived: Alone and your thoughts mostly revolving around Talia. With your last dying breath you tell her that you’ll be joining her soon." -"Forbidding her to do anything or restricting her is only going to cause her to resent you even more or worse run away completely. You aren’t going to let her be a shadow and become some indoctrinated idiot with no mind of her own though. +Eventually your last remaining years are spent as you most often lived: Alone and your thoughts mostly revolving around Talia. With your last dying breath you tell her that you’ll be joining her soon.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Forbidding her to do anything or restricting her is only going to cause her to resent you even more or worse run away completely. You aren’t going to let her be a shadow and become some indoctrinated idiot with no mind of her own though. There’s only one solution you can come up with, you’re going to have to leave this place and live elsewhere. If the temptation isn’t readily available then it the desire for it may eventually go away. Well you hope at least. @@ -14146,8 +14146,8 @@ You continue your journey through Quala and continue to feel your age. You don As bad as Quala is, Arat is still in relative anarchy. You and Tulla are attacked several times and unfortunately it is during one of those attacks that your age catches up to you. In this case your attackers happen to be a small group of svelk. -The svelk are more than a match for Tulla despite her skills, and you as well. Though you manage to at least fight long enough for Tulla to escape. You on the other hand succumb to your wounds and the svelk finish you off with a few bolts to your head." -"You’re going to try one last time with Lena. MAYBE you can talk some sense into her. +The svelk are more than a match for Tulla despite her skills, and you as well. Though you manage to at least fight long enough for Tulla to escape. You on the other hand succumb to your wounds and the svelk finish you off with a few bolts to your head.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You’re going to try one last time with Lena. MAYBE you can talk some sense into her. “Come on.” You say and grab Tulla by her little hand to pull her along as you walk. “Where are we going?” @@ -14264,8 +14264,8 @@ Tulla starts to ask another question, but you are in mood to answer any more as “Well let me know what those important things are when you find out.” “It may be that you’re already involved in them.” -Before you can make a retort about Dendrin’s usual vagueness, you wake up." -"Year 55 +Before you can make a retort about Dendrin’s usual vagueness, you wake up.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 55 You always were one to defy the odds, but you knew it could only end like this. @@ -14382,8 +14382,8 @@ Years pass as they always do. You more or less keep yourself occupied by writing In other words, you practically go mad. One moment you’re fully aware of your surroundings and living in the present, the next you’re living in the past again. You’ve created your own reality and aren’t leaving it anytime soon. -You continue like this for a few more decades until you eventually die as the mad hermit you are, and like most mad hermits, you leave no lasting presence in the world." -"You spent many years practically buried alive, you’re not about to spend your remaining life that way. Better you should just die in battle instead. Of course you only intend on doing that if there are no other options. +You continue like this for a few more decades until you eventually die as the mad hermit you are, and like most mad hermits, you leave no lasting presence in the world.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You spent many years practically buried alive, you’re not about to spend your remaining life that way. Better you should just die in battle instead. Of course you only intend on doing that if there are no other options. So if this place stands any chance at all you’re going to enlist the help of the only person you know that will fight tooth and nail. You have no idea how Lena is going to react to seeing you again, but its something you’re going to have to do. @@ -14482,8 +14482,8 @@ The thing is, you never really seriously considered such things even when Talia Of course that’s not a “what if” that can ever be achieved. Even if Talia was still alive, you couldn’t have children anyway. Quite frankly you’ve spent so much time killing, wouldn’t really know what to do with the prospect of taking care of anything so helpless like a child, though you’d guess that perhaps Talia would’ve been more of the nurturing one while you trained it to fight or something you actually knew about. -The funny thing is you get the impression that Henry serves more of that purpose of a “nurturer” than Lena does, who while obviously loving towards the child, she maintains more of a distance from it than Henry does. Almost as if she’s reluctant to bond with it on a major level." -"You spent many years practically buried alive, you’re not about to spend your remaining life that way. Better you should just die in battle instead. Of course you only intend on doing that if there are no other options. +The funny thing is you get the impression that Henry serves more of that purpose of a “nurturer” than Lena does, who while obviously loving towards the child, she maintains more of a distance from it than Henry does. Almost as if she’s reluctant to bond with it on a major level.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You spent many years practically buried alive, you’re not about to spend your remaining life that way. Better you should just die in battle instead. Of course you only intend on doing that if there are no other options. So if this place stands any chance at all you’re going to enlist the help of the only person you know that will fight tooth and nail. You have no idea how Lena is going to react to seeing you again, but its something you’re going to have to do. @@ -14609,8 +14609,8 @@ You have no argument. You and Lena look into each other’s eyes for a moment and then you turn to leave again. When you get few paces you turn to see Lena still watching you for a moment and then turn to head back to her home. -“Shut up Dendrin.” You mutter as you walk back to the temple." -"This isn’t going to be easy or fun for you, but it is regrettably necessary. You’re going to not only have to convince her that she shouldn’t pursue this path, but also push her away in general. +“Shut up Dendrin.” You mutter as you walk back to the temple.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>This isn’t going to be easy or fun for you, but it is regrettably necessary. You’re going to not only have to convince her that she shouldn’t pursue this path, but also push her away in general. “Lena, you won, be happy with your victory. I know you’d like to kill every eternal out there, but it just isn’t feasible.” “I won? My family is still fucking dead!” @@ -14724,8 +14724,8 @@ You babble a lot to yourself nowadays, and not just in the usual way you do with In other words, you’ve practically gone mad. One moment you’re fully aware of your surroundings and living in the present, the next you’re living in the past again. You’ve created your own reality and aren’t leaving it anytime soon. Dendrin tries to snap you out of it, but eventually he realizes the futility of the task and stops speaking to you altogether. Hardly matters as you’ve got more than enough disembodied voices in your head to keep you company. -You continue like this for a few more decades until you eventually die as the mad hermit you are, and like most mad hermits, you leave no lasting presence in the world." -"Year 46 +You continue like this for a few more decades until you eventually die as the mad hermit you are, and like most mad hermits, you leave no lasting presence in the world.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 46 “Think the girl will survive your big attack plan?” Dendrin asks. “If she does, she does. If she doesn’t, well that’s the way it goes.” You reply. @@ -14832,8 +14832,8 @@ You were paying so much attention to Lena’s breakdown that you didn’t hear a “We kept our word shadow, you never saw us again!” you hear one of them laugh and this is followed by a final blow to your skull which splits it open causing bits of brains to splatter nearby. -Lena charges at them already in a rage from before and while she manages to wound one of them, they ultimately take advantage of her unhinged state and finish her off with ease." -"Even as quiet as you are, if you head over to her location, you might miss your best opportunity to attack even if you were waiting for a slightly better opening. Still no point in taking chances, you speed yourself up just give yourself that extra edge. +Lena charges at them already in a rage from before and while she manages to wound one of them, they ultimately take advantage of her unhinged state and finish her off with ease.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Even as quiet as you are, if you head over to her location, you might miss your best opportunity to attack even if you were waiting for a slightly better opening. Still no point in taking chances, you speed yourself up just give yourself that extra edge. As your blade sinks into the back of one of the eternals you materialize before the rest of their eyes and they look as if they see a ghost. Their surprise doesn’t last long, but it’s enough for you to chop down another one before they can put up a decent defense. @@ -14958,8 +14958,8 @@ As you turn to leave, Lena can’t resist asking that last question. Lena’s expression is a puzzled one. Here you just congratulated her on her acceptance of reality, yet you’ve been drifting in and out of fantasy for a decade. You stop her before she even asks. -“Lesson one, do as I say, not as I do.” You remark and leave." -"Chapter 3B2: Last Shadow +“Lesson one, do as I say, not as I do.” You remark and leave.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Chapter 3B2: Last Shadow Year 45 @@ -15063,8 +15063,8 @@ You turn around and swing your weapon, but the instant you do, an incredibly bri Through your grogginess and hazy eye sight you manage to just make out your attacker which seems to be some sort of serpent creature, but with arms like a human holding a staff with a glowing tip. -You attempt to mumble a spell to speed you up, but the serpent creature is faster even without magical enhancements. Its head lunges forward and you feel its fangs sink deep into your throat puncturing the jugular. You die instantly." -"Whether you’re content on just surviving or not isn’t really the issue, staying here in what amounts to be an oversized grave wallowing in self pity from time to time probably isn’t the best thing for your mind. You’re already starting to go a little off kilter in that regard. There is really nothing for you here or Delerg or even the area in general. Maybe shouldn’t just change your surroundings, maybe you need to just leave them completely. +You attempt to mumble a spell to speed you up, but the serpent creature is faster even without magical enhancements. Its head lunges forward and you feel its fangs sink deep into your throat puncturing the jugular. You die instantly.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Whether you’re content on just surviving or not isn’t really the issue, staying here in what amounts to be an oversized grave wallowing in self pity from time to time probably isn’t the best thing for your mind. You’re already starting to go a little off kilter in that regard. There is really nothing for you here or Delerg or even the area in general. Maybe shouldn’t just change your surroundings, maybe you need to just leave them completely. It takes you about a month, but eventually you gather up the motivation to leave the temple for good. You visit Talia’s grave one last time before you leave. @@ -15090,8 +15090,8 @@ Eventually you decide to move on and leave Felkan territory. You travel for years to distant lands, never finding a place to call home. In time, Dendrin stops speaking to you altogether and you find that you no longer have any magic ability at all. You see it as a small price to pay for never having to deal with him again. -What ultimately happens to you is lost to history." -"Year 35 +What ultimately happens to you is lost to history.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 35 Despite your best efforts, stirring up more dissent in Delerg seems to be a losing battle. It’s not just the Empire though; it’s the people here in general. Most of them are content on being dominated. Funny how in the “birthplace” of the shadows, that rebellion would be less here. @@ -15170,8 +15170,8 @@ The arrows stop as more eternals start swarming the vicinity. While one of them As your sight begins to fade, you see Talia still giving the eternals a good fight. Hopefully she’ll make it back to the sanctuary like she wanted to in the first place. -You won’t." -"Maybe you love Talia more than she loves you, or maybe you’re just tired of practically being a loner all the time and at least if you have Talia, you know you’ve got someone on your side. Whatever the reason, you tell Talia that you’re willing to go to Delerg with her. Her reaction is a happy one though she admits she’s a little surprised you agreed as quickly as you did. +You won’t.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Maybe you love Talia more than she loves you, or maybe you’re just tired of practically being a loner all the time and at least if you have Talia, you know you’ve got someone on your side. Whatever the reason, you tell Talia that you’re willing to go to Delerg with her. Her reaction is a happy one though she admits she’s a little surprised you agreed as quickly as you did. Later that night you fall asleep wondering how the hell you got yourself into this. @@ -15282,8 +15282,8 @@ This explanation, this rationale, this excuse causes Talia to reassess her thoug This statement seems to be the last one that gets her out of her dark mood. As she hugs you, you breathe a sigh of relief that you managed to convince her. Actually you aren’t really sure if you did convince her, so much as she took your offer of something to support her mental defenses on facing possible reality. -This problem might pop up again if you actually succeed in toppling the Empire, but given that you still have a lot to do before that’s a reality, you won’t have to worry about Talia’s self-doubt again." -"If you actually had a little help, you probably would be able to pull off killing him in the fort, but the risks are too great and while you might have a love of battle, you also have a strong sense of self-preservation. So luring Kane out it is. +This problem might pop up again if you actually succeed in toppling the Empire, but given that you still have a lot to do before that’s a reality, you won’t have to worry about Talia’s self-doubt again.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>If you actually had a little help, you probably would be able to pull off killing him in the fort, but the risks are too great and while you might have a love of battle, you also have a strong sense of self-preservation. So luring Kane out it is. The next day you come up with a plan and your first step is seeking out a lone peasant. It doesn't take long and after you get him to calm down you ask him a few simple questions such as if he has family, where he lives, is he part of the rebellion, etc. @@ -15295,16 +15295,16 @@ You decide to head to the local tavern and take in some of the atmosphere. You o You sit there a few hours and then finally some Empire soldiers come through the door. The tavern gets a bit quieter and that's when you decide to make things louder again. -""Hey barkeep! Gimme another ale!"" you shout walking up to the bar interrupting the soldiers who were attempting to order their own drinks. -""Uh, hold on sir. I just have to serve these gentlemen first."" -""Oh come on, I was here first and they aren't supposed to be drinking on the job anyway!"" +"Hey barkeep! Gimme another ale!" you shout walking up to the bar interrupting the soldiers who were attempting to order their own drinks. +"Uh, hold on sir. I just have to serve these gentlemen first." +"Oh come on, I was here first and they aren't supposed to be drinking on the job anyway!" At this point one of the soldiers addresses you. -""We happen to be off duty right now citizen."" -""Off duty? When there are rebels running around all over the place? What the hell man? You should be out there killing the sons of bitches, not getting drunk!"" -""I can assure you we are, and citizen you need to calm down."" -""Why is it taking so long anyway? Is that captain of yours just sitting on his fat ass in that fort all day while rebels terrorize the area? I thought the Empire was supposed to be doing something about it, but it looks like it's as impotent as ever!"" +"We happen to be off duty right now citizen." +"Off duty? When there are rebels running around all over the place? What the hell man? You should be out there killing the sons of bitches, not getting drunk!" +"I can assure you we are, and citizen you need to calm down." +"Why is it taking so long anyway? Is that captain of yours just sitting on his fat ass in that fort all day while rebels terrorize the area? I thought the Empire was supposed to be doing something about it, but it looks like it's as impotent as ever!" At this point now several bar patrons start to take notice, some try to get you to calm down, others just outright leave. The soldiers to your surprise haven't tried to kill you yet. It's almost like they're trying to diffuse the situation and dismiss you as some loudmouth drunk because all they really want to do is relax after a long day. Oddly enough, you can understand it, unfortunately you can't relax either. @@ -15312,10 +15312,10 @@ You step it up and physically push one of the soldiers. That does it, and the sw Three bodies lay at your feet and several patrons are in shock along with a very scarred bartender. -""What the fuck did you just do? We're all dead men!"" he screams. -""You were dead long before I got here. Now if you want to live, you'll help me fight these Empire assholes and get them the hell out of this town."" -""You dumb fuck, don't you realize they'll just send more troops? The Butcher of Rask himself will probably come here himself and lay waste to the entire town!"" -""That's what I'm counting on. Now I know this place still has rebellion sympathies, and I'm telling you right now, if you really want to be free of the Empire you'll start helping me rather than hiding…or don't if your conviction is lacking. Either way I'm stepping outside and I'm going to be killing Empire soldiers and I'm not stopping until all of them are fucking dead. Do what you like."" +"What the fuck did you just do? We're all dead men!" he screams. +"You were dead long before I got here. Now if you want to live, you'll help me fight these Empire assholes and get them the hell out of this town." +"You dumb fuck, don't you realize they'll just send more troops? The Butcher of Rask himself will probably come here himself and lay waste to the entire town!" +"That's what I'm counting on. Now I know this place still has rebellion sympathies, and I'm telling you right now, if you really want to be free of the Empire you'll start helping me rather than hiding…or don't if your conviction is lacking. Either way I'm stepping outside and I'm going to be killing Empire soldiers and I'm not stopping until all of them are fucking dead. Do what you like." You take your leave at this point and face the small platoon of soldiers that is running in your direction. You don't use any shadow magic, just pure skill to put soldier after soldier down. After you've killed about six of them in the open street, some of the citizens actually start growing a backbone and begin to help. @@ -15323,29 +15323,29 @@ A riot ensues and you've accomplished your mission. The remaining soldiers are q Your escape back into the wilderness isn't completely unnoticed though and you draw your weapon again when you sense yourself being followed. -""Alright I know somebody is following me…shadowing me even. Might as well come out now so we can get this over with because no cloak is going to help hide you."" +"Alright I know somebody is following me…shadowing me even. Might as well come out now so we can get this over with because no cloak is going to help hide you." A lone shadow materializes. To your surprise it's Brother Gannon. He's little older now and a lot more worn looking, almost beaten. He has no intention of trying to kill you. -""Did you have to do that? That place was one of the few towns left that was still able to sneak supplies to us! When Kane finds out what happened he's going to destroy the place! We're suffering from a lack of supplies and allies as it is!"" he exclaims. -""Yeah? Well maybe if Cyrus was taking a more personal hand in this war like I just did, he'd be inspiring more people to follow him more openly. What the hell happened to him? I've been out here on my own for five fucking years and I've seen nothing but Cyrus make mistake after mistake! Pulling back and attempting to lay low? Losing your orc allies? Not reconnecting with the shadows south of Rask?"" -""Actually we did try to do that, but…(sigh) nevermind you're right it's all gone horribly wrong. Master Cyrus' leadership isn't like Master Ebon's. I mean I know he's the one that's guiding us and speaking to Dendrin personally, but his need for control is so uncompromising sometimes. As much as I hate it, I'm actually glad I got assigned to be this town's liaison, anything to be out of that fort! He keeps saying that Dendrin won't let us lose and that final victory will come, but it seems so bleak now. I'm trying to keep the faith, I'm really trying, but…oh why won't Dendrin just hear our prayers and help us now?"" +"Did you have to do that? That place was one of the few towns left that was still able to sneak supplies to us! When Kane finds out what happened he's going to destroy the place! We're suffering from a lack of supplies and allies as it is!" he exclaims. +"Yeah? Well maybe if Cyrus was taking a more personal hand in this war like I just did, he'd be inspiring more people to follow him more openly. What the hell happened to him? I've been out here on my own for five fucking years and I've seen nothing but Cyrus make mistake after mistake! Pulling back and attempting to lay low? Losing your orc allies? Not reconnecting with the shadows south of Rask?" +"Actually we did try to do that, but…(sigh) nevermind you're right it's all gone horribly wrong. Master Cyrus' leadership isn't like Master Ebon's. I mean I know he's the one that's guiding us and speaking to Dendrin personally, but his need for control is so uncompromising sometimes. As much as I hate it, I'm actually glad I got assigned to be this town's liaison, anything to be out of that fort! He keeps saying that Dendrin won't let us lose and that final victory will come, but it seems so bleak now. I'm trying to keep the faith, I'm really trying, but…oh why won't Dendrin just hear our prayers and help us now?" -You shake your head and smile at the delusion that continues to plague the shadows. ""Why should he? It's more amusing for him to see you all desperately try to squirm out of your hopeless situation."" +You shake your head and smile at the delusion that continues to plague the shadows. "Why should he? It's more amusing for him to see you all desperately try to squirm out of your hopeless situation." This cynical (yet true) answer is met with a dead silence. Poor Gannon looks so forlorn that he's probably agreeing with you in his head. Gannon might come in useful though so you decide to try to not break his spirit completely. -""However, MAYBE Dendrin did answer your prayers, namely in the form of me. I probably just bought you all a little more time."" You add. -""What? Your big plan to kill Kane? The Butcher of Rask? I heard you down there in the tavern! If Captain Kane even comes he's going to come with a company of elite soldiers not by himself! Besides, Cyrus sent the best shadows against him and he's killed them all! Why do you think you have a chance?"" -""Simple. I'm an Eternal and if Cyrus remembered that he was instead some Dendrin worshipping fool, we wouldn't be in this situation now."" -""Yeah? Well Sister Talia is one of you Eternals too, she could've done something as well. I don't see you blaming her."" +"However, MAYBE Dendrin did answer your prayers, namely in the form of me. I probably just bought you all a little more time." You add. +"What? Your big plan to kill Kane? The Butcher of Rask? I heard you down there in the tavern! If Captain Kane even comes he's going to come with a company of elite soldiers not by himself! Besides, Cyrus sent the best shadows against him and he's killed them all! Why do you think you have a chance?" +"Simple. I'm an Eternal and if Cyrus remembered that he was instead some Dendrin worshipping fool, we wouldn't be in this situation now." +"Yeah? Well Sister Talia is one of you Eternals too, she could've done something as well. I don't see you blaming her." You grab Gannon by his collar before he can react. You stop yourself from killing him, because you know he's just pissed at his lot in life right now. Not to mention he's got a point. -""You know what you're right. She could've. It's not really important right now though, what IS important is that we get prepared for Kane's arrival."" -""We?"" -""Oh yes. You want to help turn things around, you'll help me."" -""How?"" +"You know what you're right. She could've. It's not really important right now though, what IS important is that we get prepared for Kane's arrival." +"We?" +"Oh yes. You want to help turn things around, you'll help me." +"How?" How is a good question. The easiest way is to have him help you organize the townsfolk so that they can at least put up a good fight against the soldiers while you take care of Kane. @@ -15395,8 +15395,8 @@ You stagger back up only to get your sword knocked out of your hand when you att As you struggle to remain conscious all you can see are the souless eyes of Kane looking down upon you as he intends to make good on his threats. You punch him several times in the face to no avail. You even take out one of his eyes and he’s still not deterred as it dangles uselessly from its bloody socket. You’d probably be a lot more scared if you weren’t teetering on passing out. Eventually darkness envelops you and Kane finishes you off with a brutal snap to your neck. -For what it’s worth he doesn’t eat your heart afterwards." -"Your main purpose of coming here in the first place was to make sure Talia was safe. You can't leave now without trying to find her or at least her body if she's dead. +For what it’s worth he doesn’t eat your heart afterwards.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Your main purpose of coming here in the first place was to make sure Talia was safe. You can't leave now without trying to find her or at least her body if she's dead. You leave the storage room and decide your best bet would be to keep yourself cloaked the entire time while you search the fortress. You also decide to use spider crawl just to make sure you're really out of sight. @@ -15404,81 +15404,81 @@ As you stick to the ceilings of corridors and rooms you survey the carnage of wh You progressively get more and more discouraged in your search and that's when you hear a voice in your head. Not Dendrin's though, it's distinctly a human one. -""To…the left and down the hall…hurry…not much time…"" you hear Master Ebon say. Lacking any other ideas, you follow his instructions and make your make to his location from where you are. As you do so, you notice there aren't any Derro in this direction, though there are a few dead ones. You're guessing that the rest of their fellows haven't searched this area as much. +"To…the left and down the hall…hurry…not much time…" you hear Master Ebon say. Lacking any other ideas, you follow his instructions and make your make to his location from where you are. As you do so, you notice there aren't any Derro in this direction, though there are a few dead ones. You're guessing that the rest of their fellows haven't searched this area as much. -""The door…at the end…hurry…"" +"The door…at the end…hurry…" Sensing that there are no Derro in the immediate area, you climb down from the ceiling and prepare to enter the door at the end of the corridor. When you arrive in front of it, you hear a loud click as it opens. -""Quick, inside!"" a brother says pulling you in by the arm roughly. +"Quick, inside!" a brother says pulling you in by the arm roughly. A quick glance and you see a couple more shadows both in wounded condition. You then see Master Ebon in some sort of spell trance. He's also wounded, but his status looks a lot worse. He probably shouldn't even be alive with the deep bleeding gashes he displays across his body. A female shadow stands near him also wounded. When you see her face more clearly and recognize her as Talia, your worries are at least divided by half. -""What are you doing here?"" she exclaims. -""I heard the voice of Dendrin and…"" in that moment you realize you've just admitted you've heard his voice for the first time. You then realize this isn't the time to keep it a secret and you continue. ""…he…uh gave me a warning… are you alright?"" -""Just a light wound…wait, you said Dendrin spoke to you? He warned you about the attack?"" -""Well, not in so many words. Look we need get out of here, I can explain everything later."" +"What are you doing here?" she exclaims. +"I heard the voice of Dendrin and…" in that moment you realize you've just admitted you've heard his voice for the first time. You then realize this isn't the time to keep it a secret and you continue. "…he…uh gave me a warning… are you alright?" +"Just a light wound…wait, you said Dendrin spoke to you? He warned you about the attack?" +"Well, not in so many words. Look we need get out of here, I can explain everything later." You then hear Master Ebon's voice again. He still isn't speaking verbally though and is using his mind. -""Dendrin spoke to you? Lucky lad. He hasn't spoken to me since I first became a shadow. I always thought he would eventually, but he never did. I assumed he was testing me, to make my own decisions. Perhaps I offended him by claiming those decisions came from him directly, but I didn't know what else to do…"" -""Master Ebon, we can discuss this later, right now we really need to leave!"" -""Is Master Ebon speaking to you through his mind?"" Talia asks. -""Yes, and what's he doing anyway? He's just sitting there with gashes in his chest deep enough for me to see his heart beating and bleeding out. As I said we need to leave before the Derro kill us all."" +"Dendrin spoke to you? Lucky lad. He hasn't spoken to me since I first became a shadow. I always thought he would eventually, but he never did. I assumed he was testing me, to make my own decisions. Perhaps I offended him by claiming those decisions came from him directly, but I didn't know what else to do…" +"Master Ebon, we can discuss this later, right now we really need to leave!" +"Is Master Ebon speaking to you through his mind?" Talia asks. +"Yes, and what's he doing anyway? He's just sitting there with gashes in his chest deep enough for me to see his heart beating and bleeding out. As I said we need to leave before the Derro kill us all." Master Ebon interrupts you. -""They've already succeeded in killing me I fear, but I still have powerful magic…enough to save the remainder of you…to carry on the fight…"" +"They've already succeeded in killing me I fear, but I still have powerful magic…enough to save the remainder of you…to carry on the fight…" Master Ebon's eyes begin to turn completely black, this is followed by his entire body. A shimmering portal then opens up nearby. -""This…was to take us to strike at the very heart of the Empire…but now just an escape…to friends. Continue the fight there. The Empire will fall as long as you continue to fight. Dendrin I hope you can forgive my failures as I have served to the best of my abilities…I am ready to enter your realm of shadow if you will allow it…"" +"This…was to take us to strike at the very heart of the Empire…but now just an escape…to friends. Continue the fight there. The Empire will fall as long as you continue to fight. Dendrin I hope you can forgive my failures as I have served to the best of my abilities…I am ready to enter your realm of shadow if you will allow it…" -""Master Ebon!"" Talia shouts when she sees his body undergo his transformation. -""He can't be helped and he's giving us a chance to escape. We need to take it now!"" -""But where is it going?"" the shadow that grabbed you by the arm asks. -""He said to friends, but quite frankly it could lead into the middle of an Empire battalion and I think we'd still have better chances! Now come on!"" +"Master Ebon!" Talia shouts when she sees his body undergo his transformation. +"He can't be helped and he's giving us a chance to escape. We need to take it now!" +"But where is it going?" the shadow that grabbed you by the arm asks. +"He said to friends, but quite frankly it could lead into the middle of an Empire battalion and I think we'd still have better chances! Now come on!" Without another word you all enter the portal. Within seconds your eyes are nearly blinded by the whiteness of snow and you feel a blast of cold air whipping around you. -""DIE! Shadow bastard!"" you suddenly hear and turn around just in time to avoid a sword strike to the head. Realizing that this is an Empire soldier and not a Derro, you quickly dispatch your assailant who falls turning the snow red. +"DIE! Shadow bastard!" you suddenly hear and turn around just in time to avoid a sword strike to the head. Realizing that this is an Empire soldier and not a Derro, you quickly dispatch your assailant who falls turning the snow red. When you said being transported into the middle of an Empire battalion would be a better situation, you didn't actually mean it! Fortunately it isn't quite as bad as all that. Getting your bearings you notice you're on a battlefield. The bodies of several Empire troops lay on the ground and are mixed in with those of orcs and shadows. A great fortress looms in the distance. -""Fort Defiance…"" you say to yourself. -""Brother, we're over here!"" one of the shadows calls out to you and you run over to the group. (Apparently, all the others teleported to a place out of immediate danger!) +"Fort Defiance…" you say to yourself. +"Brother, we're over here!" one of the shadows calls out to you and you run over to the group. (Apparently, all the others teleported to a place out of immediate danger!) -""Are we in Rask?"" the shadow who grabbed you asks. You still don't know his name, you can only guess he was one of the newer recruits after you joined. -""Well it doesn't look like Delurg that's for sure. I'm guessing that group ahead of us fighting the Empire troops are our brothers and sisters from Fort Defiance."" Talia says. -""Looks like it, well no time like the present, we need to go help them."" -""But what about those two? They're badly wounded and can't fight properly."" The new shadow asks. -""(Sigh) Very well, you, what's your name anyway?"" -""I'm Brother Gannon. I just joined recently…"" -""Yes brother, we can get all that getting to know you stuff out of the way later. I want you to take those two and head over to that fort in the distance. I'm sure they can get help there. What about you Talia, I know you're wounded too, do you need any first aid?"" +"Are we in Rask?" the shadow who grabbed you asks. You still don't know his name, you can only guess he was one of the newer recruits after you joined. +"Well it doesn't look like Delurg that's for sure. I'm guessing that group ahead of us fighting the Empire troops are our brothers and sisters from Fort Defiance." Talia says. +"Looks like it, well no time like the present, we need to go help them." +"But what about those two? They're badly wounded and can't fight properly." The new shadow asks. +"(Sigh) Very well, you, what's your name anyway?" +"I'm Brother Gannon. I just joined recently…" +"Yes brother, we can get all that getting to know you stuff out of the way later. I want you to take those two and head over to that fort in the distance. I'm sure they can get help there. What about you Talia, I know you're wounded too, do you need any first aid?" Talia draws her weapon. -""I'll worry about my minor cuts after we take care of this Empire scum."" She answers in a harsh tone. -""Okay then let's go down there and drive back the Empire!"" you answer back. +"I'll worry about my minor cuts after we take care of this Empire scum." She answers in a harsh tone. +"Okay then let's go down there and drive back the Empire!" you answer back. You and Talia sprint as fast as you can to where all the action is taking place. Swords are clashed, halberds are swung, skulls are smashed and heads are severed. Mostly all in your favor and the Empire troops were actually losing even before you got here. Still, it's good to be on a winning side of a fight today and you feel energized by the battle. A short reunion occurs as you finish off the last of the stubborn Empire soldiers. -""What the…? What are you doing here?! I thought you were supposed to be in the Quala province!""Cyrus exclaims running his sword through an enemy. -""Things change brother and how have you been doing?"" you answer doing the same. -""We've been getting wave after wave of Empire skirmishers recently, but nothing serious yet. Honestly I would've thought we would've had a full on assault by now. I think they're trying to whittle us down, it won't work though. We're entrenched and have people all over the area slowly turning the population of Rask against them…is that Talia over there? What's SHE doing here? Last I heard she was supposed to be back in Gloom helping with the ritual that Master Ebon and Brother Gray were doing."" -""Like I said, things change Cyrus."" +"What the…? What are you doing here?! I thought you were supposed to be in the Quala province!"Cyrus exclaims running his sword through an enemy. +"Things change brother and how have you been doing?" you answer doing the same. +"We've been getting wave after wave of Empire skirmishers recently, but nothing serious yet. Honestly I would've thought we would've had a full on assault by now. I think they're trying to whittle us down, it won't work though. We're entrenched and have people all over the area slowly turning the population of Rask against them…is that Talia over there? What's SHE doing here? Last I heard she was supposed to be back in Gloom helping with the ritual that Master Ebon and Brother Gray were doing." +"Like I said, things change Cyrus." At this moment there is a lull in the fighting that allows Cyrus to actually stop fighting. He looks at you his expression is one you've never seen before. One of genuine worry. -""Oh no…what happened?"" +"Oh no…what happened?" You don't even know where to begin. -""Cyrus let's just get through this battle and celebrate THIS victory over the Empire. We can dwell on the troubled times to come later."" +"Cyrus let's just get through this battle and celebrate THIS victory over the Empire. We can dwell on the troubled times to come later." The pair of you say nothing more for the rest of the battle which soon ends with your victory. You just wish it was a better one, because it cannot possibly counteract the incredible loss you have suffered this dark day. @@ -15494,7 +15494,7 @@ If this war against the Empire is going to succeed on any level, the unity and u After Cyrus catches you up on the situation at Rask, you and Talia tell him what happened at Gloom. Talia fills in the details better since she was actually there. Cyrus seems a little distraught at hearing so many shadows dying never mind losing the shadow home, but he doesn't seem broken in his goals to continue to fight the Empire. -""It doesn't matter, we've still got agents in the Quala province and other places. Once we reconnect with the various cells we can regroup. We need to tell the others here though now, the sooner we get this information out the way the quicker they can deal with the loss. The Empire is desperate and we'll overcome whatever else they decide to throw at us because Dendrin will see us to victory."" +"It doesn't matter, we've still got agents in the Quala province and other places. Once we reconnect with the various cells we can regroup. We need to tell the others here though now, the sooner we get this information out the way the quicker they can deal with the loss. The Empire is desperate and we'll overcome whatever else they decide to throw at us because Dendrin will see us to victory." “Indeed he will. I know its why he warned me to go back to Gloom and help who I could there.” You respond. Cyrus looks at you as if he’s unsure of how to take your claim. @@ -15680,8 +15680,8 @@ The derro are surprised at first and due to your unnatural speed, your group act You see the unarmored derro run away to a locked door on the far side of the room, and just when he manages to open it; you shoot him in the back with your armbow, which causes him to collapse to the floor. You don’t know where he’s trying to go, but he’s not getting far. -Unfortunately neither are you as a firebomb lands right near your feet and explodes. You feel the impact and the burning as you go flying in the air. Your death comes quickly when your burning body lands wrong and breaks your neck." -"As much as it might be wise to have Talia keep Cyrus in check, you’d rather her come with you on this mission, as you’ll need all the skilled help you can get. Talia’s shadow magic is certainly more powerful than your own, even though you’ve found in recent years that yours isn’t weak as it once was. +Unfortunately neither are you as a firebomb lands right near your feet and explodes. You feel the impact and the burning as you go flying in the air. Your death comes quickly when your burning body lands wrong and breaks your neck.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>As much as it might be wise to have Talia keep Cyrus in check, you’d rather her come with you on this mission, as you’ll need all the skilled help you can get. Talia’s shadow magic is certainly more powerful than your own, even though you’ve found in recent years that yours isn’t weak as it once was. When the pair of you confront Cyrus, he’s predictably furious claiming that the pair of you are wasting time and not following Dendrin’s plan like you should be. He goes on about how the attack on Fort Destiny should take top priority. You don’t bother arguing, it’s all been said before and if he wants to do anything about it, then he can try to stop you. He doesn’t of course, but there’s definitely a hostile glare as you leave. @@ -15893,8 +15893,8 @@ You watch as the remaining shadows desperately fight the overwhelming number of During Roldan’s life, he would go on to speak about how you were a worthy opponent during conversations about the battle of Fort Defiance. Probably out of minor respect that you were an Eternal. -Ultimately though history only remembered Roldan and how he gloriously destroyed the shadow traitors once and for all." -"You all move close enough so you’re above the boxes and then with a brief whisper, every lock on the troll boxes clicks. +Ultimately though history only remembered Roldan and how he gloriously destroyed the shadow traitors once and for all.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You all move close enough so you’re above the boxes and then with a brief whisper, every lock on the troll boxes clicks. And then all the box doors are suddenly torn open. @@ -16305,8 +16305,8 @@ You approach a building that vaguely looks like a store of some sort. You try th That’s when you find Flog, but unfortunately you never see him since he was hiding near the door and he cleaves you in the head with an axe when you bashed it open and stumbled in. -It’s a sudden and ignoble death after surviving everything that you have. The only consolation is that Cyrus kills Flog in retaliation, but it hardly matters when you’re dead." -"Making some sort of “pilgrimage” isn’t really what you need at this point. While you might be drawn to the journey because of the potential for combat in the end you’re going to be left with the same problem again when you finally do get settled. Not to mention who is to say the temple is even big enough or in any condition to act as a new home. +It’s a sudden and ignoble death after surviving everything that you have. The only consolation is that Cyrus kills Flog in retaliation, but it hardly matters when you’re dead.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Making some sort of “pilgrimage” isn’t really what you need at this point. While you might be drawn to the journey because of the potential for combat in the end you’re going to be left with the same problem again when you finally do get settled. Not to mention who is to say the temple is even big enough or in any condition to act as a new home. Tomorrow you resolve to go out to the village where Flog has been making his home (Which he’s renamed “Flogtown”) and bring down the wrath of the shadows upon him. He probably won’t be expecting it, but he’s brought this on himself. @@ -16537,8 +16537,8 @@ You briefly wonder if you should seek your death in battle with the Raskians, bu You figure you’ll get there quicker by speeding yourself up, but you immediately find out that your spell doesn’t work. In fact none of your magic works. It would appear that Dendrin has finally lost interest. -“Huh. Well that’s one good thing at least.” You say and begin to walk." -"Year 45 +“Huh. Well that’s one good thing at least.” You say and begin to walk.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 45 “It’s no use Master, I tried to speak with the mayor, but they refuse to deal with us anymore. They said it is no longer a good idea to trade with us anymore since they depend on other the trade of other villages and they’re more important.” Brother Gannon tells you. @@ -16612,8 +16612,8 @@ Before anyone can speed their way through the pass, the giants block it off by c You try your best to find a potential hiding spot or even a small cave, but there are none. Eventually the barrage of boulders being thrown crushes you too. -The irony in all this is your actions actually cause a massive giant attack on Evergloom in the next few weeks as they seek to preserve themselves from being killed, by destroying Evergloom and the remaining shadows." -"Chapter 3B1: Shadow Master +The irony in all this is your actions actually cause a massive giant attack on Evergloom in the next few weeks as they seek to preserve themselves from being killed, by destroying Evergloom and the remaining shadows.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Chapter 3B1: Shadow Master Year 41 @@ -16821,8 +16821,8 @@ Theo stands there for a while and starts to say something, but stops. Instead he When the rest of General Ackerson’s men reach you, you’re still sitting on the ground cradling Talia’s body. They shout some predictable threats and such at you, but you ignore them. You don’t care anymore. You’re numb all the way until you feel a sword blow to your head. -And then you feel nothing ever again." -"The Empire might be dead, but chances are shadows probably still aren’t welcomed in these parts. You’re not afraid of a fight, but you aren’t sure just how much manpower and support this warlord has and there is no need to take unnecessary chances. Besides, some of the shadows traveling with you have actual families; if there is going to be growth in this organization then you can’t risk them. +And then you feel nothing ever again.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>The Empire might be dead, but chances are shadows probably still aren’t welcomed in these parts. You’re not afraid of a fight, but you aren’t sure just how much manpower and support this warlord has and there is no need to take unnecessary chances. Besides, some of the shadows traveling with you have actual families; if there is going to be growth in this organization then you can’t risk them. “Okay everyone, we’re heading off road. I’m warning you now, we may have to drop baggage if need be, but until then, we’re continuing our journey to Delerg. I also want all of you Eternal shadows to cloak yourself and walk on our perimeter. If you see anything or anyone that might be hostile, don’t reveal yourself, but instead report to either me, Cyrus or Talia directly and take a position that will allow you to ambush any interlopers when the time comes.” “Won’t we look like an easier target with less people visible? Shouldn’t we have a show of force instead?” Cyrus asks. @@ -17199,8 +17199,8 @@ You laugh. “You want to see the will of Dendrin clearly? Take a look at the destruction around you. That’s his will. THAT’S what he represents. Do yourself a favor Gannon, get out of this place and live the rest of your life doing what you want. There are already enough people in the earthly realm ready to tell you what to do, no need to add other worldly ones to that list. Goodbye.” -And with that you leave the crumbling remnants of the shadows forever and travel to places unknown. What ultimately happens to you is lost to time, but safe to say you never hear from Dendrin ever again." -"It might be a bit a more complex than what you first envisioned, but it probably would be well worth it to try. You agree to Theo’s plan and put it in motion. +And with that you leave the crumbling remnants of the shadows forever and travel to places unknown. What ultimately happens to you is lost to time, but safe to say you never hear from Dendrin ever again.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>It might be a bit a more complex than what you first envisioned, but it probably would be well worth it to try. You agree to Theo’s plan and put it in motion. Theo says that the first thing he should do is to directly contact Sam Jowin, one of the major warlords in the area. He’s fairly sure that Sam will agree to help out the shadows especially if it means stomping out the remaining pathetic remnants of the Empire. Plus it’ll be one less warlord to worry about if he’s on the side of the shadows. @@ -17733,8 +17733,8 @@ Within a century the shadows that once blanketed Delerg began to disappear and o As for the shadows, they lived on as a memory and in time that memory faded into legend and then forgotten completely. -Except by one being, who had long moved on from this world to seek out a new one to with which to entertain itself." -"Year 75 +Except by one being, who had long moved on from this world to seek out a new one to with which to entertain itself.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 75 “Seems hard to believe that we haven’t had any major conflict in over a decade.” Talia says. “What is harder to believe is that I stopped missing it. But I imagine the major powers are too busy fighting over the Quala region to worry about us as usual. I mean you’ve got the Empire of Nalin, Drog Son of Mog’s Horde and even the Felkan Kingdom all annexing portions of it.” @@ -17856,8 +17856,8 @@ After she leaves you turn back to Talia. “Oh of that, I have no doubt. Really as long as she remembers everything we plan to teach her she’ll be fine I think.” “Hah. No small task.” -Talia’s right about that, it won’t be a small task, not for Celia and not for you either. Still, nothing is worth doing without hard work and that’s basically been your whole life." -"What few heretical shadows still remain isn’t many and they don’t exactly have any type of leadership anymore. Hunting them all down seems like a waste of your time and possibly manpower, especially since Quala is more hostile and destabilized than ever now. Chances are the heretics will eventually resort to the typical banditry that goes on here and they’ll get wiped out by one of the warlord factions. Even if they manage to join up with any of the factions, they’ll likely abandon their newfound religion in the process. +Talia’s right about that, it won’t be a small task, not for Celia and not for you either. Still, nothing is worth doing without hard work and that’s basically been your whole life.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>What few heretical shadows still remain isn’t many and they don’t exactly have any type of leadership anymore. Hunting them all down seems like a waste of your time and possibly manpower, especially since Quala is more hostile and destabilized than ever now. Chances are the heretics will eventually resort to the typical banditry that goes on here and they’ll get wiped out by one of the warlord factions. Even if they manage to join up with any of the factions, they’ll likely abandon their newfound religion in the process. Rebuilding what you have left seems like a better idea at this point, so you send a message out to all your people to leave this war torn land and head back to Delerg. @@ -17982,8 +17982,8 @@ It is an inspiring speech and morale is raised. Talia gives you one last hug and The temple doors crack at last and the stone crumbles before the might of the battering ram. Hordes of Nalin troops pour in. -You embrace your final battle." -"Year 55 +You embrace your final battle.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 55 “Theo I know you’re here I can sense your presence, you might as well come on out and take your punishment with some dignity.” You say looking down the dimly lit stairway. @@ -18095,8 +18095,8 @@ You manage to drag yourself back to Theo’s old hideout, which you were using a At first you think its Dendrin since he’s always been one to kick you while you’re down, but then you’re wide awake and he’s never contacted you in that state. Your focus has been so preoccupied with your own pride that you didn’t sense another presence in the farmhouse when you dragged yourself here… -You turn around just in time to utter “Cy…” before you feel a blade slash across your throat." -"Year 46 +You turn around just in time to utter “Cy…” before you feel a blade slash across your throat.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 46 Took long enough, and sometimes it never seemed like it was going to happen, but you’ve finally restored Dendrin’s temple. Restoring it wasn’t easy either, especially not one as big and in such disrepair like Dendrin’s. The surprising thing is you’ve not only restored it in appearance, but in use as well. @@ -18344,8 +18344,8 @@ As several shadows attempt to carry out this order, you try your best to get pre You attempt to order the temple doors locked, but the svelk have already managed to barge in by this point. Under normal circumstances, you’d be more than a match for them, but whatever this curse is, it’s affected the shadows quite severely and they’ve taken full advantage of your weakness. Most are so sick they can’t concentrate to cast any spells, and that includes you. -You put up a good fight, but ultimately the effects of the curse and Tyren’s sneak attack prove to be too much. You eventually fall to one of their repeating crossbows. With several bolts lodged in your vital organs your last thoughts are of the hope that Cyrus will survive whatever the svelk had planned for him." -"Year 50 +You put up a good fight, but ultimately the effects of the curse and Tyren’s sneak attack prove to be too much. You eventually fall to one of their repeating crossbows. With several bolts lodged in your vital organs your last thoughts are of the hope that Cyrus will survive whatever the svelk had planned for him.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 50 With all business taken care of, you tell Talia to let you know if anything important comes up since you’re going to catch a few moments of sleep. Seems like you don’t do much of that anymore. @@ -18521,7 +18521,7 @@ Amusingly he wants you to meet him at Blood Tooth, which is apparently what he r You can’t help but smile a little at that last statement. “You’re not going are you?” Talia asks. -""Why not? I’ve been running the shadows for this long and I haven’t even taken a contract myself. Seems a bit hypocritical don’t you think?” +"Why not? I’ve been running the shadows for this long and I haven’t even taken a contract myself. Seems a bit hypocritical don’t you think?” “You’re the Shadow Master, you don’t need to concern yourself with such things.” “Maybe, but I’ve always believed that a leader really should lead by example and I’ve done that for the most part.” “What about that incident with the dark elves?” @@ -18679,8 +18679,8 @@ The alley way seems to have been converted into a slave pen filled with humans. Suddenly large shadows loom over you in the form of a couple giants who are standing on the outside of the nearby town walls throwing great clots of snow at you.. They succeed in destroying some buildings, killing some slaves as well as slowing you down when you feel a great force slam you to the ground from above. -You struggle to maintain consciousness as you try to dig your way out of an icy grave. You don’t have time to morn when you notice Talia’s lifeless body as you dig by it. When your head reaches air you take a deep breath, but this small comfort is cut short when you catch an arrow in the skull." -"You attempt to block everything out in your mind a concentrate on your spell. More voices invade your mind and you begin shouting out Dendrin’s name loudly during your chanting in an effort to drown out the supernatural voice in your head. You also shout to everyone to try to shut out the voices you know they have to be hearing as well. +You struggle to maintain consciousness as you try to dig your way out of an icy grave. You don’t have time to morn when you notice Talia’s lifeless body as you dig by it. When your head reaches air you take a deep breath, but this small comfort is cut short when you catch an arrow in the skull.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You attempt to block everything out in your mind a concentrate on your spell. More voices invade your mind and you begin shouting out Dendrin’s name loudly during your chanting in an effort to drown out the supernatural voice in your head. You also shout to everyone to try to shut out the voices you know they have to be hearing as well. “NO! You cannot escape us! You are MEAT!” you hear and the voices begin to fade a bit. You notice that your shadows aren’t struggling with their mental assaults anymore either and regular combat goes a lot better. Soon, all attackers are killed and Talia comes over to you rubbing her head a bit after dispatching her orc. @@ -18941,8 +18941,8 @@ Dendrin himself has been suspiciously quiet during this time and hasn’t spoken You bury Talia and order the rest of your remaining shadows to prepare for the next attack. -It takes a while, but eventually another attack does come. Not quite as big as last time, but it doesn’t need to be. You’re so tired at this point that you don’t even fight as hard as you could. When the finale comes in the form of several swords and spears pointing at you, you welcome it just to put an end to it all." -"Year 65 +It takes a while, but eventually another attack does come. Not quite as big as last time, but it doesn’t need to be. You’re so tired at this point that you don’t even fight as hard as you could. When the finale comes in the form of several swords and spears pointing at you, you welcome it just to put an end to it all.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 65 Delerg has been completely transformed. No longer is it known as just that dismal swamp where the shadows make their home. It’s literally been transformed into the land of shadows. @@ -19169,8 +19169,8 @@ The order of the shadows doesn’t survive too much longer after your gruesome d Some of the more fanatical ones descend into outright insanity and continue to worship Dendrin and commit increasingly bizarre and bloody acts in order to “regain his favor”. Talia ends up leading a group like this for a while before she finally loses it completely and kills herself. -As for Dendrin he sticks around to watch the final death throes of the religion he once posed as a god for, and when it’s finally over he moves on to new and more entertaining things." -"Year 75 +As for Dendrin he sticks around to watch the final death throes of the religion he once posed as a god for, and when it’s finally over he moves on to new and more entertaining things.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 75 “Do you really believe you can separate yourself from me? You think that you can actually steal my power without consequence?” Dendrin asks. “Yes, I have figured out a way and you will do nothing about it. You know why? Because you are a being of much power sure, but you and I know that you are no god and. More importantly we would not even be stealing any power from you, because I also know you are not even native to the shadow realm; you are merely using it as a source to act as a god. In my years of study, I have come to learn what you truly are and that is a Yequk, a whimsical being of the planes that loves to leech of the energy of a plane. Your kind also has a tendency to masquerade as gods or demons for amusement purposes and will bestow magic powers to those who believe in you or in my case, for the hell of it.” You reply. @@ -19276,8 +19276,8 @@ Mentoring her begins immediately, but that isn’t your only plan. The shadows a So you begin to write a journal, a journal containing the truth. You intend on passing this on to Celia when you die. Hopefully you can mold her a bit in such a way that when she does read this, she’ll be strong enough to accept the truth about the shadows, about Dendrin, about all of it. -It’s all a bit of a gamble, but then most of your actions have been your entire life." -"You’ve got other important things to concern yourself with; you don’t have time to risk backing a potential wild card. When you decline to help her, she’s surprised. +It’s all a bit of a gamble, but then most of your actions have been your entire life.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You’ve got other important things to concern yourself with; you don’t have time to risk backing a potential wild card. When you decline to help her, she’s surprised. “What?! Are you serious? Since when do the shadows decline a contract?” “Why does everyone assume we take everything? We only accept deals that would be in our favor and quite frankly dealing with you seems like it would be a losing game at best, so if that’s all our business here…” @@ -19375,8 +19375,8 @@ Perhaps your attendance was out the genuine respect you STILL have for him. You take one last look at Cyrus. He does look peaceful. Free of worry, concerns, and all of that other shit. He probably thought he was going to meet Dravin in the shadow realm where Dendrin holds a party for all loyal shadows. Of course that’s a fool’s idea. You know the truth about Dendrin and you need to get back to that particular problem right now. -“So long Cyrus…my brother.” You say and take your leave." -"Year 55 +“So long Cyrus…my brother.” You say and take your leave.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 55 You wake up with yet another permanent ache in your body. Getting old really sucks and it probably doesn’t help that you’ve spent decades fighting all your life. Who knows how many broken bones, deep cuts, head blows and other bodily trauma you’ve had. However, you’re probably more fit than most people your age and your magic ability is certainly a great equalizer. @@ -19391,7 +19391,7 @@ Amusingly he wants you to meet him at Blood Tooth, which is apparently what he r You can’t help but smile a little at that last statement. “You’re not going are you?” Talia asks. -""Why not? I’ve been running the shadows for this long and I haven’t even taken a contract myself. Seems a bit hypocritical don’t you think?” +"Why not? I’ve been running the shadows for this long and I haven’t even taken a contract myself. Seems a bit hypocritical don’t you think?” “You’re the Shadow Master, you don’t need to concern yourself with such things.” “Maybe, but I’ve always believed that a leader really should lead by example and I’ve done that for the most part.” “What about that incident with the dark elves?” @@ -19470,8 +19470,8 @@ You barely avoid another attack, but not from an orc, but rather from one of you You go on the defensive and put up a good fight despite being outnumbered and assaulted physically and mentally, but it all comes to an end when you suddenly feel a strong force hit your back and then through your body and out your chest. You look down to see a clawed hand drenched in blood and what looks to be part of your heart. -The claw is pulled back out and you fall to the snow dead. Talia gobbles up your heart before joining the rest of the shadows devouring your body." -"Theo might mean well, but you’re a firm believer that simple plans often work best and since you’ve got the last word, you’re sticking with your original plan. +The claw is pulled back out and you fall to the snow dead. Talia gobbles up your heart before joining the rest of the shadows devouring your body.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Theo might mean well, but you’re a firm believer that simple plans often work best and since you’ve got the last word, you’re sticking with your original plan. “It’s a good idea Theo, but I believe it may stir up more attention towards us, if we start attempting to convert people outside Delerg. It may even cause certain warlords to unite against us if they believe us to be threatening enough. Better that we keep our presence to a minimum and especially not try to contact any of them directly. What I want you to do instead is to just keep an eye on Anu and Sam since they’re close by, but since they seem to be content on bashing each other in the head just send some Blades to perform sabotage on both sides just to keep them mired down.” “As you wish Shadow Master.” Theo remarks. @@ -19607,8 +19607,8 @@ You then turn to Yvette, she looks thoroughly beaten at this point and doesn’t Afterwards you give a small speech about how this is a reminder of how traitors like Theo will always be brought to justice because Dendrin sees all and knows all. You also reassure them all of how good things have been going for the shadows since you’ve engaged in the current activities you’ve been doing and how loyalty to Dendrin will ultimately be rewarded in the afterlife. -As you go back to your own duties, you can’t help but think about Theo’s few last words and how you briefly wanted to agree with him, if only to see the amusing confusion on the shadows faces." -"Year 46 +As you go back to your own duties, you can’t help but think about Theo’s few last words and how you briefly wanted to agree with him, if only to see the amusing confusion on the shadows faces.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 46 Took long enough, and sometimes it never seemed like it was going to happen, but you’ve finally restored Dendrin’s temple. Restoring it wasn’t easy either, especially not one as big and in such disrepair like Dendrin’s. The surprising thing is you’ve not only restored it in appearance, but in use as well. @@ -19666,8 +19666,8 @@ The other main reason for the creation of the Blades is due to the fact that a l The other change you decided on was to create a council of sorts. As Shadow Master your word goes (Or Dendrin’s “Word” as they all sometimes believe) but you’ve been trying to become more inclusive in some of the decision making mainly because some of the more menial tasks or administrative duties are a bore to you and it helps if you don’t have to do it all by yourself. (Bad enough you’ve got to keep up on all the shadow lore, fortunately you let Talia handle some of that) -So far the Shadow Council is made up of you, Talia, Cyrus, Draven, Yvette and Theo. Three Eternals, three humans and one of those pairings is one of each. You believe it’s pretty equal all things considered." -"Year 46 +So far the Shadow Council is made up of you, Talia, Cyrus, Draven, Yvette and Theo. Three Eternals, three humans and one of those pairings is one of each. You believe it’s pretty equal all things considered.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 46 Took long enough, and sometimes it never seemed like it was going to happen, but you’ve finally restored Dendrin’s temple. Restoring it wasn’t easy either, especially not one as big and in such disrepair like Dendrin’s. The surprising thing is you’ve not only restored it in appearance, but in use as well. @@ -19732,8 +19732,8 @@ As for the western region of Quala, it’s mostly an ongoing warzone between sev All of this is rather fascinating to you, and a little…well the word isn’t disheartening, but you don’t know…you always did slightly believe (Despite your overwhelming cynicism) that you were actually a force of “good” by toppling the Empire. Maybe the methods weren’t the most pure, but the ends justified the means. Now you see that it didn’t really change all that much, and made it worse in some places. And now here you are plotting to change the landscape even further and probably going to make things even worse. -Still, if this all works in favor of the shadows maybe it’s all worth it, after all it did the first time." -"You never thought you’d ever be doing this willingly… +Still, if this all works in favor of the shadows maybe it’s all worth it, after all it did the first time.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You never thought you’d ever be doing this willingly… “Dendrin, if you’re still watching me, we need to have a talk and you probably know what it is about already. So have your giggles if you must about all this, but I’m asking you for your help and I mean real help, not cryptic answers or hollow words. And if you don’t listen to me, then I suppose I’ll figure it out myself as usual.” @@ -19824,8 +19824,8 @@ Talia nods as she looks through the books. Eventually she picks up a heavy black “The rest of the wording I have read is almost deliberately cryptic. Terribly annoying and not very helpful. You’d think whoever wrote it down, would’ve made it a lot clearer. Well anyway, I’ll study it in length some other time. Right now I’m just going to go over the initiation ritual once more and then get some sleep.” “Very well. I’ll see you then.” Talia says and kisses you before leaving. -After she leaves, you take another glance though the book containing the ritual of ascension. Still not understanding it any better, you toss it aside and return to more immediate studies." -"While you aren’t convinced that going to Delerg is necessarily the best idea, maybe you do need a change of scenery. With the population being unhelpful and the troubles with Flog, it might very well be best to leave before this gets worse. Besides, while it isn’t common knowledge that you made a deal with Flog to enslave the northern most towns in exchange for his help, there have always been “rumors” amongst some of the Raskians and eventually those rumors are going to become an even bigger problem. +After she leaves, you take another glance though the book containing the ritual of ascension. Still not understanding it any better, you toss it aside and return to more immediate studies.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>While you aren’t convinced that going to Delerg is necessarily the best idea, maybe you do need a change of scenery. With the population being unhelpful and the troubles with Flog, it might very well be best to leave before this gets worse. Besides, while it isn’t common knowledge that you made a deal with Flog to enslave the northern most towns in exchange for his help, there have always been “rumors” amongst some of the Raskians and eventually those rumors are going to become an even bigger problem. Part of you feels like you’re “running away” from conflict and that somewhat bothers you. However, you spent your life running away from the Empire and striking at the right time to strengthen your own position while weakening their own. Why shouldn’t you employ a similar outlook on life in general? Retreat from an unfavorable position to hopefully a better one, it couldn’t hurt at this point. @@ -19922,8 +19922,8 @@ Theo thanks you for the honor and prepares everyone to get ready to move. You, T And with that you, Talia, Cyrus and the last of the eternals go forth and face your destiny. -Your names are forgotten, but the surviving solders of that battle always remembered the day they didn’t win a battle against shadows, but instead remember the day that they almost lost a battle against eternals." -"Year 35 +Your names are forgotten, but the surviving solders of that battle always remembered the day they didn’t win a battle against shadows, but instead remember the day that they almost lost a battle against eternals.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 35 Finally after years of set backs, Rask is at last free of the Empire and the other provinces are sure to follow. Kane is dead and most of the last Empire fanatics in Rask are dead. The Empire can’t send any more troops because it’s barely holding on to what it has. It’s the beginning of the end for it, but for the shadows it’s just the beginning. @@ -20028,8 +20028,8 @@ Cyrus doesn’t move fast enough to dodge your attack and your sword sinks deep You attempt to grab at Cyrus’ daggers in your back, but your own lifeforce starts to fade as well. -“Talia still lives…she’ll fix everything…she’ll lead…” you mumble and then join Cyrus in death." -"“I think we should take this opportunity to make them see the way of the shadows.” You say. +“Talia still lives…she’ll fix everything…she’ll lead…” you mumble and then join Cyrus in death.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“I think we should take this opportunity to make them see the way of the shadows.” You say. “What?!” Yvette exclaims. “Are you serious?” Talia asks. “Well okay maybe not all of them, but I’d think that with the right teaching they could become valuable assets.” @@ -20189,8 +20189,8 @@ With this statement Flog lets out a hearty laugh and you leave him to his mirth. On your way out of the cave Cyrus stands waiting and asks you if you killed Flog, you tell him you took care of the problem. Cyrus just gives one of his trademark dirty looks and walks ahead of you. -One thing’s for sure; if your relationship with Cyrus doesn’t get better you’ll be dealing with that problem before one with Flog." -"“I think we should take this opportunity to make them see the way of the shadows.” You say. +One thing’s for sure; if your relationship with Cyrus doesn’t get better you’ll be dealing with that problem before one with Flog.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“I think we should take this opportunity to make them see the way of the shadows.” You say. “What?!” Yvette exclaims. “Are you serious?” Talia asks. “Well okay maybe not all of them, but I’d think that with the right teaching they could become valuable assets.” @@ -20331,8 +20331,8 @@ A few days later you get word from contacts of an Empire army being nearly wiped The best news is when you hear that a funeral will be held in Captain Roldan’s honor as he died during one of the blasts. -You have won a great victory and confirms that your decision to save the eternals was a good one. Even if all the others prove to be untrainable, those nine were more than worth it." -"“I think we should take this opportunity to make them see the way of the shadows.” You say. +You have won a great victory and confirms that your decision to save the eternals was a good one. Even if all the others prove to be untrainable, those nine were more than worth it.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“I think we should take this opportunity to make them see the way of the shadows.” You say. “What?!” Yvette exclaims. “Are you serious?” Talia asks. “Well okay maybe not all of them, but I’d think that with the right teaching they could become valuable assets.” @@ -20477,8 +20477,8 @@ Kane’s journals provide a fascinating look into his descent into madness. From Apparently they could also possess people at will, and needed to in order to be able to leave their “home”. Kane ended up finding all this out the hard way and lost an entire company. Though ultimately victorious the wendigo mental assaults on his mind took their toll it seems. He wasn’t possessed, but it definitely unhinged him. From there on his behavior started getting more bloodthirsty. His faith in the Empire seemed to be a bit of a solid rock for him that allowed him to maintain a degree of normalcy, but when the Empire started loosing ground in Rask, and elsewhere, it was a cascading effect into full-blown insanity. A lot of his writing towards the end seems to be random and disjointed. His last entry mentions nearly matches what his final words were to you. -You look around the room some more and find a military map of Rask. You make a note the location of where Kane said he faced the wendigo so that you know to avoid it in the future." -"Year 30 +You look around the room some more and find a military map of Rask. You make a note the location of where Kane said he faced the wendigo so that you know to avoid it in the future.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 30 “No, I say we take all of our resources and make a forward push on Fort Destiny. We can hit Captain Kane from the north and from the south.” Cyrus says. “And I’m telling you that we can’t do that. Our people aren’t grouped together on the southern Rask border ready to strike, they’re scattered all over the place and that’s how they should remain! I keep telling you this, besides I’ve got a better plan for the shadow cells in the Quala province.” You remark. @@ -20592,8 +20592,8 @@ By day three you’re begging for them to just kill you. The derro of course ign By day five, you’re actually screaming for Dendrin to help you. This naturally amuses the sadistic derro who says that he has to remember to strengthen the mind resistance of the new eternals so they aren’t as weak willed to fall prey to such superstitions. -By day nine, you feel nothing any longer and the derro tells his fellows to toss you to the trolls." -"Your main purpose of coming here in the first place was to make sure Talia was safe. You can't leave now without trying to find her or at least her body if she's dead. +By day nine, you feel nothing any longer and the derro tells his fellows to toss you to the trolls.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Your main purpose of coming here in the first place was to make sure Talia was safe. You can't leave now without trying to find her or at least her body if she's dead. You leave the storage room and decide your best bet would be to keep yourself cloaked the entire time while you search the fortress. You also decide to use spider crawl just to make sure you're really out of sight. @@ -20601,81 +20601,81 @@ As you stick to the ceilings of corridors and rooms you survey the carnage of wh You progressively get more and more discouraged in your search and that's when you hear a voice in your head. Not Dendrin's though, it's distinctly a human one. -""To…the left and down the hall…hurry…not much time…"" you hear Master Ebon say. Lacking any other ideas, you follow his instructions and make your make to his location from where you are. As you do so, you notice there aren't any Derro in this direction, though there are a few dead ones. You're guessing that the rest of their fellows haven't searched this area as much. +"To…the left and down the hall…hurry…not much time…" you hear Master Ebon say. Lacking any other ideas, you follow his instructions and make your make to his location from where you are. As you do so, you notice there aren't any Derro in this direction, though there are a few dead ones. You're guessing that the rest of their fellows haven't searched this area as much. -""The door…at the end…hurry…"" +"The door…at the end…hurry…" Sensing that there are no Derro in the immediate area, you climb down from the ceiling and prepare to enter the door at the end of the corridor. When you arrive in front of it, you hear a loud click as it opens. -""Quick, inside!"" a brother says pulling you in by the arm roughly. +"Quick, inside!" a brother says pulling you in by the arm roughly. A quick glance and you see a couple more shadows both in wounded condition. You then see Master Ebon in some sort of spell trance. He's also wounded, but his status looks a lot worse. He probably shouldn't even be alive with the deep bleeding gashes he displays across his body. A female shadow stands near him also wounded. When you see her face more clearly and recognize her as Talia, your worries are at least divided by half. -""What are you doing here?"" she exclaims. -""I heard the voice of Dendrin and…"" in that moment you realize you've just admitted you've heard his voice for the first time. You then realize this isn't the time to keep it a secret and you continue. ""…he…uh gave me a warning… are you alright?"" -""Just a light wound…wait, you said Dendrin spoke to you? He warned you about the attack?"" -""Well, not in so many words. Look we need get out of here, I can explain everything later."" +"What are you doing here?" she exclaims. +"I heard the voice of Dendrin and…" in that moment you realize you've just admitted you've heard his voice for the first time. You then realize this isn't the time to keep it a secret and you continue. "…he…uh gave me a warning… are you alright?" +"Just a light wound…wait, you said Dendrin spoke to you? He warned you about the attack?" +"Well, not in so many words. Look we need get out of here, I can explain everything later." You then hear Master Ebon's voice again. He still isn't speaking verbally though and is using his mind. -""Dendrin spoke to you? Lucky lad. He hasn't spoken to me since I first became a shadow. I always thought he would eventually, but he never did. I assumed he was testing me, to make my own decisions. Perhaps I offended him by claiming those decisions came from him directly, but I didn't know what else to do…"" -""Master Ebon, we can discuss this later, right now we really need to leave!"" -""Is Master Ebon speaking to you through his mind?"" Talia asks. -""Yes, and what's he doing anyway? He's just sitting there with gashes in his chest deep enough for me to see his heart beating and bleeding out. As I said we need to leave before the Derro kill us all."" +"Dendrin spoke to you? Lucky lad. He hasn't spoken to me since I first became a shadow. I always thought he would eventually, but he never did. I assumed he was testing me, to make my own decisions. Perhaps I offended him by claiming those decisions came from him directly, but I didn't know what else to do…" +"Master Ebon, we can discuss this later, right now we really need to leave!" +"Is Master Ebon speaking to you through his mind?" Talia asks. +"Yes, and what's he doing anyway? He's just sitting there with gashes in his chest deep enough for me to see his heart beating and bleeding out. As I said we need to leave before the Derro kill us all." Master Ebon interrupts you. -""They've already succeeded in killing me I fear, but I still have powerful magic…enough to save the remainder of you…to carry on the fight…"" +"They've already succeeded in killing me I fear, but I still have powerful magic…enough to save the remainder of you…to carry on the fight…" Master Ebon's eyes begin to turn completely black, this is followed by his entire body. A shimmering portal then opens up nearby. -""This…was to take us to strike at the very heart of the Empire…but now just an escape…to friends. Continue the fight there. The Empire will fall as long as you continue to fight. Dendrin I hope you can forgive my failures as I have served to the best of my abilities…I am ready to enter your realm of shadow if you will allow it…"" +"This…was to take us to strike at the very heart of the Empire…but now just an escape…to friends. Continue the fight there. The Empire will fall as long as you continue to fight. Dendrin I hope you can forgive my failures as I have served to the best of my abilities…I am ready to enter your realm of shadow if you will allow it…" -""Master Ebon!"" Talia shouts when she sees his body undergo his transformation. -""He can't be helped and he's giving us a chance to escape. We need to take it now!"" -""But where is it going?"" the shadow that grabbed you by the arm asks. -""He said to friends, but quite frankly it could lead into the middle of an Empire battalion and I think we'd still have better chances! Now come on!"" +"Master Ebon!" Talia shouts when she sees his body undergo his transformation. +"He can't be helped and he's giving us a chance to escape. We need to take it now!" +"But where is it going?" the shadow that grabbed you by the arm asks. +"He said to friends, but quite frankly it could lead into the middle of an Empire battalion and I think we'd still have better chances! Now come on!" Without another word you all enter the portal. Within seconds your eyes are nearly blinded by the whiteness of snow and you feel a blast of cold air whipping around you. -""DIE! Shadow bastard!"" you suddenly hear and turn around just in time to avoid a sword strike to the head. Realizing that this is an Empire soldier and not a Derro, you quickly dispatch your assailant who falls turning the snow red. +"DIE! Shadow bastard!" you suddenly hear and turn around just in time to avoid a sword strike to the head. Realizing that this is an Empire soldier and not a Derro, you quickly dispatch your assailant who falls turning the snow red. When you said being transported into the middle of an Empire battalion would be a better situation, you didn't actually mean it! Fortunately it isn't quite as bad as all that. Getting your bearings you notice you're on a battlefield. The bodies of several Empire troops lay on the ground and are mixed in with those of orcs and shadows. A great fortress looms in the distance. -""Fort Defiance…"" you say to yourself. -""Brother, we're over here!"" one of the shadows calls out to you and you run over to the group. (Apparently, all the others teleported to a place out of immediate danger!) +"Fort Defiance…" you say to yourself. +"Brother, we're over here!" one of the shadows calls out to you and you run over to the group. (Apparently, all the others teleported to a place out of immediate danger!) -""Are we in Rask?"" the shadow who grabbed you asks. You still don't know his name, you can only guess he was one of the newer recruits after you joined. -""Well it doesn't look like Delurg that's for sure. I'm guessing that group ahead of us fighting the Empire troops are our brothers and sisters from Fort Defiance."" Talia says. -""Looks like it, well no time like the present, we need to go help them."" -""But what about those two? They're badly wounded and can't fight properly."" The new shadow asks. -""(Sigh) Very well, you, what's your name anyway?"" -""I'm Brother Gannon. I just joined recently…"" -""Yes brother, we can get all that getting to know you stuff out of the way later. I want you to take those two and head over to that fort in the distance. I'm sure they can get help there. What about you Talia, I know you're wounded too, do you need any first aid?"" +"Are we in Rask?" the shadow who grabbed you asks. You still don't know his name, you can only guess he was one of the newer recruits after you joined. +"Well it doesn't look like Delurg that's for sure. I'm guessing that group ahead of us fighting the Empire troops are our brothers and sisters from Fort Defiance." Talia says. +"Looks like it, well no time like the present, we need to go help them." +"But what about those two? They're badly wounded and can't fight properly." The new shadow asks. +"(Sigh) Very well, you, what's your name anyway?" +"I'm Brother Gannon. I just joined recently…" +"Yes brother, we can get all that getting to know you stuff out of the way later. I want you to take those two and head over to that fort in the distance. I'm sure they can get help there. What about you Talia, I know you're wounded too, do you need any first aid?" Talia draws her weapon. -""I'll worry about my minor cuts after we take care of this Empire scum."" She answers in a harsh tone. -""Okay then let's go down there and drive back the Empire!"" you answer back. +"I'll worry about my minor cuts after we take care of this Empire scum." She answers in a harsh tone. +"Okay then let's go down there and drive back the Empire!" you answer back. You and Talia sprint as fast as you can to where all the action is taking place. Swords are clashed, halberds are swung, skulls are smashed and heads are severed. Mostly all in your favor and the Empire troops were actually losing even before you got here. Still, it's good to be on a winning side of a fight today and you feel energized by the battle. A short reunion occurs as you finish off the last of the stubborn Empire soldiers. -""What the…? What are you doing here?! I thought you were supposed to be in the Quala province!""Cyrus exclaims running his sword through an enemy. -""Things change brother and how have you been doing?"" you answer doing the same. -""We've been getting wave after wave of Empire skirmishers recently, but nothing serious yet. Honestly I would've thought we would've had a full on assault by now. I think they're trying to whittle us down, it won't work though. We're entrenched and have people all over the area slowly turning the population of Rask against them…is that Talia over there? What's SHE doing here? Last I heard she was supposed to be back in Gloom helping with the ritual that Master Ebon and Brother Gray were doing."" -""Like I said, things change Cyrus."" +"What the…? What are you doing here?! I thought you were supposed to be in the Quala province!"Cyrus exclaims running his sword through an enemy. +"Things change brother and how have you been doing?" you answer doing the same. +"We've been getting wave after wave of Empire skirmishers recently, but nothing serious yet. Honestly I would've thought we would've had a full on assault by now. I think they're trying to whittle us down, it won't work though. We're entrenched and have people all over the area slowly turning the population of Rask against them…is that Talia over there? What's SHE doing here? Last I heard she was supposed to be back in Gloom helping with the ritual that Master Ebon and Brother Gray were doing." +"Like I said, things change Cyrus." At this moment there is a lull in the fighting that allows Cyrus to actually stop fighting. He looks at you his expression is one you've never seen before. One of genuine worry. -""Oh no…what happened?"" +"Oh no…what happened?" You don't even know where to begin. -""Cyrus let's just get through this battle and celebrate THIS victory over the Empire. We can dwell on the troubled times to come later."" +"Cyrus let's just get through this battle and celebrate THIS victory over the Empire. We can dwell on the troubled times to come later." The pair of you say nothing more for the rest of the battle which soon ends with your victory. You just wish it was a better one, because it cannot possibly counteract the incredible loss you have suffered this dark day. @@ -20691,33 +20691,33 @@ After the battle, Cyrus tells you more about the situation in Rask on the way ba He says that the orcs have been holding up their end and even managed to ally with some of the ogre tribes nearby (Though it's usually only after killing most of the tribes to establish dominance first) Not much luck with the giants yet, but at least they aren't attacking like they used to in the old days. He mentions that the current orc commander here, Flog has been in contact with Captain Gruz on strategies and tactics, though the letters are getting rarer. One wonders if Gruz hasn't already been discovered or if he's just having to lay low for a while. You get the impression Cyrus seems to see your orc allies as useful, but ultimately expendable tools to take the hits that the shadows don't need to. -""I think after this is all over, the orcs are going their separate ways and that's fine. This has always been an alliance of convenience, but like I said, we've also been turning the population of Rask against the Empire. Though it's not exactly hard when they've got someone like Kane in charge of the area. The man has probably done more to alienate the citizens of Rask more than anyone."" -""Oh yes, the infamous Captain Kane, Butcher of Rask. Heard about his ruthlessness even way down in the Quala province. Didn't he earn his nickname by wiping out several barbarian tribes here? -""Yeah, he was stationed at Fort Destiny, years before I got here. Showed absolutely no mercy when it came to cutting down the various barb tribes from what I heard. Same thing for the renegade elven population here too."" -""Didn't he recently wipe out a small hamlet because the people were complaining about food rationing?"" Talia asks. -""One hamlet? Try three and it was only a handful of people complaining. I don't even think they were openly criticizing the Empire's overall tyranny so much as they were just hungry. Captain Kane however took it as a threat to his authority and had the entire hamlet wiped out to the last man, woman and child. Then he did the same thing to two of the neighboring hamlets as a warning for other places to not complain anymore. That sort of thing might be effective on barbs or monsters, but it isn't effective in the long run on citizens you're supposed to be protecting. The fear eventually disappears and only instills great hatred and that's why we've been able to get help from the local population as far as hidden supplies and intelligence when they're able."" +"I think after this is all over, the orcs are going their separate ways and that's fine. This has always been an alliance of convenience, but like I said, we've also been turning the population of Rask against the Empire. Though it's not exactly hard when they've got someone like Kane in charge of the area. The man has probably done more to alienate the citizens of Rask more than anyone." +"Oh yes, the infamous Captain Kane, Butcher of Rask. Heard about his ruthlessness even way down in the Quala province. Didn't he earn his nickname by wiping out several barbarian tribes here? +"Yeah, he was stationed at Fort Destiny, years before I got here. Showed absolutely no mercy when it came to cutting down the various barb tribes from what I heard. Same thing for the renegade elven population here too." +"Didn't he recently wipe out a small hamlet because the people were complaining about food rationing?" Talia asks. +"One hamlet? Try three and it was only a handful of people complaining. I don't even think they were openly criticizing the Empire's overall tyranny so much as they were just hungry. Captain Kane however took it as a threat to his authority and had the entire hamlet wiped out to the last man, woman and child. Then he did the same thing to two of the neighboring hamlets as a warning for other places to not complain anymore. That sort of thing might be effective on barbs or monsters, but it isn't effective in the long run on citizens you're supposed to be protecting. The fear eventually disappears and only instills great hatred and that's why we've been able to get help from the local population as far as hidden supplies and intelligence when they're able." You remember Kane in class and him being a very capable fighter who actually killed two of your other classmates during sparing lessons. You don't even think he did it intentionally though, he just thought that's what he was supposed to do because Mistress encouraged such behavior. Given his unassuming and quiet nature back then though, you're a little surprised he wasn't picked to be a shadow guard, though perhaps they realized his dedicated to orders would be more useful as a soldier. -""Well, I can't say I'm too surprised. I mean he is one of…"" you stop yourself from saying ""us"" since you know Cyrus would probably be insulted by it. He identifies more with being a shadow than an Eternal now. +"Well, I can't say I'm too surprised. I mean he is one of…" you stop yourself from saying "us" since you know Cyrus would probably be insulted by it. He identifies more with being a shadow than an Eternal now. -""…the Empire's lap dogs after all. They say jump and he asks how high."" You finish. -""True…but…"" Cyrus says and stops. +"…the Empire's lap dogs after all. They say jump and he asks how high." You finish. +"True…but…" Cyrus says and stops. Now this is interesting. You didn't expect this sort of hesitation from Cyrus. -""But what Cyrus?"" Talia asks. -""I dunno. I sometimes wonder if we all could've turned out like that, if we hadn't been picked to be shadows."" -""Heh, well I have to admit, I have wondered the same thing sometimes."" You reply. -""I know I really shouldn't, but I sometimes feel sorry for our unenlightened classmates. I mean so many of them didn't have a chance to hear the truth of Dendrin's call. -""Seriously?"" you ask in genuine surprise. -""Yes. The worst part is I really believe I could get through to someone like Kane under the right circumstances and could turn him to our side. Show him that the Empire is a corrupt entity that needs to be destroyed. I'll never get that chance, but such is the will of Dendrin, just as it was his will that we were picked to hear his words instead of them."" -""I suppose…"" you answer. +"But what Cyrus?" Talia asks. +"I dunno. I sometimes wonder if we all could've turned out like that, if we hadn't been picked to be shadows." +"Heh, well I have to admit, I have wondered the same thing sometimes." You reply. +"I know I really shouldn't, but I sometimes feel sorry for our unenlightened classmates. I mean so many of them didn't have a chance to hear the truth of Dendrin's call. +"Seriously?" you ask in genuine surprise. +"Yes. The worst part is I really believe I could get through to someone like Kane under the right circumstances and could turn him to our side. Show him that the Empire is a corrupt entity that needs to be destroyed. I'll never get that chance, but such is the will of Dendrin, just as it was his will that we were picked to hear his words instead of them." +"I suppose…" you answer. Your private feelings on Dendrin aside, you have to admit this is a side of Cyrus you've never seen before. He has always been so dedicated to Dendrin, that to hear him express any sort of sympathy towards an unbeliever let alone an Empire enemy is unheard of. You doubt if you could have such sympathy towards people trying to kill you and you aren't even a religious fanatic like he is. -In any case it doesn't make your decision on whether or not to tell the truth about what Dendrin said to you any easier." -"Year 25 +In any case it doesn't make your decision on whether or not to tell the truth about what Dendrin said to you any easier.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 25 You settle into the bed of the dead Empire captain for the night. Normally you'd be a lot more alert, but you've got an entire group of shadows here at the conquered Empire outpost, not to mention several elven freedom fighters. You're fairly confident that they'll wake you if a counter attack comes. @@ -20731,33 +20731,33 @@ Of course this all makes you wonder what if you hadn't been chosen? What if you' And with that positive thought you fall asleep. As you drift off you find yourself back in the numbness of the void… -""It's finally happened. Rebellion across the Empire. Are you finally satisfied?"" -""I'm satisfied in that I'm glad we've finally stopped sitting on our hands. Why ask me anyway? You're the one that's been guiding the shadows all this time for centuries to rebel. Shouldn't you be the one that's excessively happy about it?"" you ask -""Oh I suppose…"" -""You suppose? I don't get you. You act like you don't care one way or another about it!"" -""Perhaps the time has passed."" -""What?!"" -""Oh don't get me wrong, I once wanted to see the Empire fall because it infringed on my own control over the mortals that were worshipping me at the time. And it's been interesting how over the decades and centuries that my little followers have been building up their strength to defeat them, but quite frankly I figured they would've done it long before then. Now? Well its okay, but I've lost a bit of interest since that time."" +"It's finally happened. Rebellion across the Empire. Are you finally satisfied?" +"I'm satisfied in that I'm glad we've finally stopped sitting on our hands. Why ask me anyway? You're the one that's been guiding the shadows all this time for centuries to rebel. Shouldn't you be the one that's excessively happy about it?" you ask +"Oh I suppose…" +"You suppose? I don't get you. You act like you don't care one way or another about it!" +"Perhaps the time has passed." +"What?!" +"Oh don't get me wrong, I once wanted to see the Empire fall because it infringed on my own control over the mortals that were worshipping me at the time. And it's been interesting how over the decades and centuries that my little followers have been building up their strength to defeat them, but quite frankly I figured they would've done it long before then. Now? Well its okay, but I've lost a bit of interest since that time." If you weren't floating in a void of sensory deprivation you'd yell and scream at Dendrin so loudly that the rage would be felt throughout your body right now. -""But that's your fucking fault. YOU were the one guiding them! If you wanted them to strike before now, you should've made some sort of sign to Master Ebon, or whoever was in charge at the time!"" -""Quite frankly I stopped giving them any advice centuries ago. I found it was much more interesting to see them figure out things on their own. The only time I speak to any of them is during the ceremony process."" -""If that's the case, why all the indoctrination, if you're such a fan of free will?"" -""How long do you think that actually lasts? It's only temporary! Just long enough to get them to have faith in me. Whether they continue to follow me or not is all them and on a related note, whatever so called signs the shadow leaders have been talking about are either ones they made up or made up in their heads. Glad to see Ebon finally decided to get off his ass and do something and be interesting for a change though."" -""So I was right! I've been right all along! You're nothing but a fucking fraud. You're not a god at all."" -""No, Eternal YOU got it wrong. It isn't I who is a fraud. It's the religion itself! I didn't originally call ANYONE to worship me. They did that naturally when one of those big hairless monkeys stumbled into a cave and messed around with some lost magical Derro object that opened up a portal where I dwelled. I was perfectly content spending infinity in my own realm until that time, but things change and I took an interest in these new creatures and their world. Wasn't my fault that they saw me as some deity just because they couldn't comprehend me in any other way."" -""You didn't exactly deter that thinking though."" -""Well you have me there Eternal. And I say so what? I gave these creatures purpose, meaning and even magical power! In return they worship me and serve. If you really think about it, is that not the definition of a god? And so what if I have lost interest in my subjects? True, they have proven loyal, but I grow bored with their antics. I seek other stimulus now."" +"But that's your fucking fault. YOU were the one guiding them! If you wanted them to strike before now, you should've made some sort of sign to Master Ebon, or whoever was in charge at the time!" +"Quite frankly I stopped giving them any advice centuries ago. I found it was much more interesting to see them figure out things on their own. The only time I speak to any of them is during the ceremony process." +"If that's the case, why all the indoctrination, if you're such a fan of free will?" +"How long do you think that actually lasts? It's only temporary! Just long enough to get them to have faith in me. Whether they continue to follow me or not is all them and on a related note, whatever so called signs the shadow leaders have been talking about are either ones they made up or made up in their heads. Glad to see Ebon finally decided to get off his ass and do something and be interesting for a change though." +"So I was right! I've been right all along! You're nothing but a fucking fraud. You're not a god at all." +"No, Eternal YOU got it wrong. It isn't I who is a fraud. It's the religion itself! I didn't originally call ANYONE to worship me. They did that naturally when one of those big hairless monkeys stumbled into a cave and messed around with some lost magical Derro object that opened up a portal where I dwelled. I was perfectly content spending infinity in my own realm until that time, but things change and I took an interest in these new creatures and their world. Wasn't my fault that they saw me as some deity just because they couldn't comprehend me in any other way." +"You didn't exactly deter that thinking though." +"Well you have me there Eternal. And I say so what? I gave these creatures purpose, meaning and even magical power! In return they worship me and serve. If you really think about it, is that not the definition of a god? And so what if I have lost interest in my subjects? True, they have proven loyal, but I grow bored with their antics. I seek other stimulus now." As strange as it may seem you sort of understand Dendrin's point of view. He views humans and mortals in general as you would watch insects. They're interesting to watch for awhile, but after some time has passed you're ready to move on. And really who's to say that if you weren't some powerful being you wouldn't do the same? Still, you have more questions. -""Okay, but why not move on then if you're so bored?"" -""Because I'm not quite THAT bored yet. Besides when you arrived things started to get interesting again. Never had anyone resist my indoctrination so strongly before. I probably could've increased it, but that might've killed you besides I thought it would be more interesting to see if you followed me even without the indoctrination. It's interesting to see that while you have decided to follow the shadow's cause, you have been nothing but indifferent to outright hostile towards the religion even before you found all this out. That displays a grain of imagination and it's mainly why I've been in contact with you. In fact you're about the only mortal I've spoken to on a regular basis in centuries."" -""I guess I'm the lucky one then."" You remark. -""Your sarcasm aside, you actually are lucky, because I'm about to give you some friendly advice. Namely, don't go back to Gloom."" -""What? What are you talking about?"" -""That's all you get Eternal. Heed my advice or don't, it makes no difference to me. Talk to you again later perhaps."" +"Okay, but why not move on then if you're so bored?" +"Because I'm not quite THAT bored yet. Besides when you arrived things started to get interesting again. Never had anyone resist my indoctrination so strongly before. I probably could've increased it, but that might've killed you besides I thought it would be more interesting to see if you followed me even without the indoctrination. It's interesting to see that while you have decided to follow the shadow's cause, you have been nothing but indifferent to outright hostile towards the religion even before you found all this out. That displays a grain of imagination and it's mainly why I've been in contact with you. In fact you're about the only mortal I've spoken to on a regular basis in centuries." +"I guess I'm the lucky one then." You remark. +"Your sarcasm aside, you actually are lucky, because I'm about to give you some friendly advice. Namely, don't go back to Gloom." +"What? What are you talking about?" +"That's all you get Eternal. Heed my advice or don't, it makes no difference to me. Talk to you again later perhaps." Once again you wake up though this time Dendrin gave you some direct information. Quite a bit of it really. You aren't even sure of what to make of all of it. You mean you always knew something was off with the whole shadow religion, but you didn't think he'd actually admit it all to you. Makes you wonder why he did, when he's been so cryptic in the past. Then against perhaps he knows you can't actually tell anyone, or rather you could, but wouldn't be believed and most likely attacked as a heretic. Perhaps that's his little joke on you. Yeah sounds like him. @@ -20865,8 +20865,8 @@ And now here you are hold up in a cave in the Guf Hills where you were five year When the cave is swarmed with enemies, you don’t get your wish. Still, you give a fight that satisfies you when sheer numbers finally bring you down. -The best thing is, you never have to worry Dendrin ever speaking to you again." -"Knowing Dendrin, he’s probably warned you after something bad has already happened at Gloom and is toying with you just to see what you’ll do. You’re just hoping Talia is all right, but you can’t go back just for one woman and your actions here are more important to the cause right now. If some major tragedy already has happened, then you probably won’t be able to do anything about it. +The best thing is, you never have to worry Dendrin ever speaking to you again.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Knowing Dendrin, he’s probably warned you after something bad has already happened at Gloom and is toying with you just to see what you’ll do. You’re just hoping Talia is all right, but you can’t go back just for one woman and your actions here are more important to the cause right now. If some major tragedy already has happened, then you probably won’t be able to do anything about it. While you’re a necessity here, that doesn’t mean you can’t send another in your place to check on Gloom. You call to speak to one of your fellow shadows that you believe to be the most skilled. @@ -20933,8 +20933,8 @@ You cut down a nearby soldier and try to close the gap between you and the mage. You feel the electricity course through your body and burn you from the inside out. By the time the mage finally releases his spell, you’re one of the many smoking black corpses created by his handiwork. -Ultimately you’re just another forgotten body in a long line of victorious battles for the Empire." -"Year 18 +Ultimately you’re just another forgotten body in a long line of victorious battles for the Empire.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 18 “And so I said to the blacksmith, well if you’re intending on killing the Emperor, you better damn well have a better plan than those group of thugs you’ve been supplying with weapons in the sewers. At least supply them to some thugs who the Emperor wouldn’t be able to smell six miles away!” you say, and this is followed by a few laughs from some of your fellow shadows. “Hah, good one brother! Tell me, what did you do to the blacksmith?” Brother Murk asks. @@ -21046,8 +21046,8 @@ It would seem the shadows are intending to do just that, and then a mass exodus While you should find everything about this agenda repugnant, you can’t help but respect and admire the patience and planning of such a cunning plan. You doubt if you could maintain such a facade for so long. Then again you’ve been blending in as one of them for two years now and your own loyalty isn’t necessarily to them. -Perhaps you’ve come to respect the Shadow Guard so much because you’ve started to think like them…" -"Year 18 +Perhaps you’ve come to respect the Shadow Guard so much because you’ve started to think like them…<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 18 “And so I said to the blacksmith, well if you’re intending on killing the Emperor, you better damn well have a better plan than those group of thugs you’ve been supplying with weapons in the sewers. At least supply them to some thugs who the Emperor wouldn’t be able to smell six miles away!” you say, and this is followed by a few laughs from some of your fellow shadows. “Hah, good one brother! Tell me, what did you do to the blacksmith?” Brother Murk asks. @@ -21163,8 +21163,8 @@ Brother Murk is probably the closest thing you have to a “friend” in here. T Murk was one of the few that tried to reach out to you even when he saw you struggling with shadow magic (among other things). During the times when you were paired up and had to fight actual dissidents who didn’t want to listen to you (Not all are willing to trust let alone join the shadow guard agenda, and some are little more than violent criminals) he’s always had your back. In between missions, he likes to tell you of his latest attempts to woo Sister Bianca. -It is a shame that such a worthy comrade has dedicated his life to the wrong side and it will be regrettable when the day comes that you may have to kill him yourself." -"Test or not, you’re not going to stand here and accept the judgment that Master Ebon has passed on you. You’re more than strong enough to pass through the ceremony, you know you are and to prove it, you immediately make a run for the portal. +It is a shame that such a worthy comrade has dedicated his life to the wrong side and it will be regrettable when the day comes that you may have to kill him yourself.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Test or not, you’re not going to stand here and accept the judgment that Master Ebon has passed on you. You’re more than strong enough to pass through the ceremony, you know you are and to prove it, you immediately make a run for the portal. “Master Ebon, the Eternal is running towards the portal!” you hear Brother Gray shout just as you make a leap into the shimmering portal. If Ebon said anything you didn’t hear it, in fact as soon as you pass through the portal you don’t hear anything. You also don’t see anything or even feel anything. It’s like you’ve stepped into a place that has sucked out all your senses. You even attempt to speak out loud, but nothing comes out, of course you wouldn’t really know since you can’t hear anything. You don’t believe you’re standing on anything and feels like you’re “floating” in some sort of void. @@ -21197,8 +21197,8 @@ For a long time there is a silence and you’re just floating in the void, with “So be it. I respect your dedication Eternal. May you serve your Emperor in whatever afterlife finds you, because you won’t be doing it in this life.” The voice whispers and then you feel the numbness that has invaded your body, now invading your mind. -It isn’t painful. It isn’t anything really. Your brain shuts down along with the rest of your body, which is then enveloped by the void. You completely cease to be and are explained to have died during the Shadow Guard ceremony to Mr. Mol when he asks for an update on your progress." -"The pain is great and you want it to be over with as quickly as possible, but you know to beg for mercy would be shameful, so you gasp say you’d rather die than beg. This response surprises her to a point that she actually takes her boot off your chest giving you relief. +It isn’t painful. It isn’t anything really. Your brain shuts down along with the rest of your body, which is then enveloped by the void. You completely cease to be and are explained to have died during the Shadow Guard ceremony to Mr. Mol when he asks for an update on your progress.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>The pain is great and you want it to be over with as quickly as possible, but you know to beg for mercy would be shameful, so you gasp say you’d rather die than beg. This response surprises her to a point that she actually takes her boot off your chest giving you relief. “Truly, little one? You accept death so quickly? Have you no instinct for survival, or are you merely a fool? Still, your refusal to beg at least shows promise. It also shows that you know your place and that your life is ultimately not your own. It is nothing. ALL of your lives are nothing! Your lives will never be anything more than warm bodies to serve the Emperor! Remember this.” @@ -21258,8 +21258,8 @@ While the shadows are feared and respected by most across the normal population, While the shadows do serve the Empire and dedicate their loyalty to the Emperor, they also worship a deity of some sort and have always done so, indeed it is supposedly how they all maintain their more magical abilities. Something like this might normally be considered a threat and the religion stamped out, but given their order’s utter dedication to the Emperor for centuries they have been given some allowances that most would not receive. Not to mention that they are absolutely vital at keeping the population in check nowadays. -The Shadow Guard’s procedures for choosing new recruits are almost as strict as the Eternal process. Besides the usual demanding combat training, they also have to go through some sort of ritual, which the shadows keep very private. It has something to do with their religion though, and not everyone survives the process. If the initiate survives then he or she becomes a fully-fledged shadow and all the abilities and powers that come with it." -"Year 5 +The Shadow Guard’s procedures for choosing new recruits are almost as strict as the Eternal process. Besides the usual demanding combat training, they also have to go through some sort of ritual, which the shadows keep very private. It has something to do with their religion though, and not everyone survives the process. If the initiate survives then he or she becomes a fully-fledged shadow and all the abilities and powers that come with it.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 5 You are sitting in a gray room at a desk with several other children your age. All of you glance at each other a lot and it is obvious that there is much curiosity, but nobody speaks. This is very unusual for you, up until now, you have only had minimal contact with others. Most of them are male like you, but a few of them are female. @@ -21450,8 +21450,8 @@ Mistress turns around just in time to stop you plunging the dagger into her. She Your body begins to sizzle from the inside out and the last thing you hear is Mr. Mol screaming at her to stop as the Emperor wants you alive. -“The Emperor’s just going to have to make a new Eternal then, because this one’s done.” She replies and kicks your blackened burned body." -"Year 16 +“The Emperor’s just going to have to make a new Eternal then, because this one’s done.” She replies and kicks your blackened burned body.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 16 You stand alone before Mistress face to face in the room you’ve been trained in by her for the past four years. You’re training has been grueling to say the least, you’ve been forced to fight various beasts and people using traditional weapons as well as battle magic. You’ve been subjected to harsh environment conditions not to mention the psychological torture that Mistress seems to enjoy. You can’t imagine that your classmates had training this tough. @@ -21681,8 +21681,8 @@ You convulse on the floor, gurgling and bleeding from the nose and mouth for a f Captain Gruz is naturally furious at his subordinate who insists that he didn’t mean to kill you and can’t help that humans are so weak and squishy. Ever the wily one, Gruz tells some of the other orcs to get rid of your body and ultimately blames your disappearance on the svelk scouts. The svelk being who they are, are not believed when they protest their innocence and those that don’t immediately flee are rounded up and executed by the Empire. -The Emperor laments your death for a few days, but soon comes to the conclusion that if you were dispatched so easily then you must not have been worthy anyway." -"Year 19 +The Emperor laments your death for a few days, but soon comes to the conclusion that if you were dispatched so easily then you must not have been worthy anyway.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 19 The day of reckoning is coming soon for all traitors; particularly the shadows and you’re just itching to play your part. It was you after all that influenced the Emperor on such an important decision. You just wonder what that role will be since the Emperor is currently explaining part of the plan to you and you’re still not entirely sure of how this is going to play out. @@ -21846,8 +21846,8 @@ You order the svelk in a slurring tone to fire their crossbows, but nobody answe You block the shadow’s attack with a force shield and follow up with a stream of fire from your other hand though the shadow easily dodges your attack. You feel two sharp pains in both of your sides and at first you think the shadow has moved so quick that she’s gotten behind you to stab you, but it turns out it’s a second shadow that has snuck up on you. -In the end it doesn’t really matter as the result is the same and you collapse face first into the ground. A final blade through your back finishes you off for good." -"The orc assumes you’re going to go for his head, but unless you’re trying to kill them, merely smashing an orc in the face with anything less than an iron maul is likely to just piss them off, so while he guards up, you strike at his legs. +In the end it doesn’t really matter as the result is the same and you collapse face first into the ground. A final blade through your back finishes you off for good.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>The orc assumes you’re going to go for his head, but unless you’re trying to kill them, merely smashing an orc in the face with anything less than an iron maul is likely to just piss them off, so while he guards up, you strike at his legs. Naturally he’s still armored down there, but he’s taken a bit off guard when you duck down start chopping your sword at his shin protectors. Since your own face is now closer to his feet the orc attempts to kick you in the face and that’s what you were hoping for. You drop your sword and catch his foot so he’s at your complete mercy. The orc is already so off balance that you barely even need to shove him so he crashes to the floor. @@ -22198,8 +22198,8 @@ Not that you don’t put up a fight and massacre several of the peasants, but th Your fate is ultimately an ignoble one of being beaten to death in the streets, drawn and quartered and finally your head stuck on a pole along with the remaining Eyes as a symbol of renewed defiance against the Empire. -Later Bucklesberg is razed to the ground and all within are purged for treason. The Emperor doesn’t morn your loss, but rather is angry with himself for wasting his time on someone who he comes to believe was an idiot." -"Maybe its because you feel slightly sorry for Jacob or maybe its because you do see Cyrus as a potential liability if left unchecked and his traitorous ways are an insult to the name Eternal, but whatever the reason you decide to help Jacob. +Later Bucklesberg is razed to the ground and all within are purged for treason. The Emperor doesn’t morn your loss, but rather is angry with himself for wasting his time on someone who he comes to believe was an idiot.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Maybe its because you feel slightly sorry for Jacob or maybe its because you do see Cyrus as a potential liability if left unchecked and his traitorous ways are an insult to the name Eternal, but whatever the reason you decide to help Jacob. “I believe I shall help Jacob in this matter. I started out crushing shadows and rebels, I might as well finish the job.” You say the Emperor. “Very well, but I trust you won’t take as long as Jacob has. Remember I need you for important tasks for the war!” @@ -22558,8 +22558,8 @@ You’re about to ask Marik what all this is when suddenly you hear him scream And then the back of your head is blown off by Marik’s personal pistol. Your lifeless body slumps to the floor soon after part of your brains do. -Marik and his fellow derro cover up your death by explaining to the Emperor that the escaped trolls killed you. The Emperor temporarily mourns your death, but ultimately decides that if something like a troll killed you, then perhaps you weren’t worthy of your status after all." -"You pull out your dagger and begin repeatedly stabbing the troll in the arm to the point where you nearly sever it. Its grip loosens as it hisses in pain. You nearly get your head punched in by the troll’s other fist, but you fall backwards on the walkway in time for it to miss. The troll fails to follow up with another attack since it attempts to remove the sword from its neck presumably to regenerate properly. +Marik and his fellow derro cover up your death by explaining to the Emperor that the escaped trolls killed you. The Emperor temporarily mourns your death, but ultimately decides that if something like a troll killed you, then perhaps you weren’t worthy of your status after all.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You pull out your dagger and begin repeatedly stabbing the troll in the arm to the point where you nearly sever it. Its grip loosens as it hisses in pain. You nearly get your head punched in by the troll’s other fist, but you fall backwards on the walkway in time for it to miss. The troll fails to follow up with another attack since it attempts to remove the sword from its neck presumably to regenerate properly. Taking advantage of this breather you cast a lightning blast right at the sword, which acts as a great conductor to fry the troll inside and out. You have to back up just so the troll’s flailing body doesn’t hit you. Eventually when the troll’s body is burned to a crisp and you’re fairly certain you’ve fried its vital organs enough that it can’t possibly regenerate you stop and the troll crashes to the floor still smoking and twitching. Then you retrieve your sword and finish decapitating the troll just to be sure. @@ -22849,8 +22849,8 @@ Within the week, there is another gnoll attack, a massive push to finally finish You hack down several of their number before suffering any major wounds. Even then, you continue to fight with the determination of ten men. The bodies of gnolls pile up, the blood is everywhere and you’ve just suffered an injury that should’ve rightfully killed you, but you continue to fight. All the anger you feel at this situation is being directed utterly towards the gnolls until it finally burns itself out and your body pushes itself past its limitations of physical exertion. -An axe cleaves into your skull, followed by another into your arm, severing it just enough to hang from a bit of tendon. You fall to your knees, then to the floor and that’s when you feel another axe to your back destroying your spine. A finally kick by a hefty boot to the face and the gibbering laughing howls of the gnolls is the last thing you hear." -"While you don’t agree with the idea that Roldan won’t be able to get the job done, you’d rather have him replaced than get an influx of svelk troops. You’d try to suggest yourself again, but you know the Emperor has made his mind up on the matter. +An axe cleaves into your skull, followed by another into your arm, severing it just enough to hang from a bit of tendon. You fall to your knees, then to the floor and that’s when you feel another axe to your back destroying your spine. A finally kick by a hefty boot to the face and the gibbering laughing howls of the gnolls is the last thing you hear.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>While you don’t agree with the idea that Roldan won’t be able to get the job done, you’d rather have him replaced than get an influx of svelk troops. You’d try to suggest yourself again, but you know the Emperor has made his mind up on the matter. “If you believe General Roldan cannot get the job done, then I suppose it might be better if he’s replaced.” You remark which gets Jacob’s disapproval. “But he can do it! Replacing Roldan at this point would be folly!” @@ -22953,8 +22953,8 @@ No sooner have you entered and you see the place is completely empty. At first y You are eventually found half burned, blown up and crushed by the rubble. You’re barely breathing by the time they dig you out, and by the time they carry you out, you’ve already expired. -Your victory and death at Yaquan is remembered and used as a propaganda point for the Empire for the remainder of their war with the Felkan Kingdom." -"Year 25 +Your victory and death at Yaquan is remembered and used as a propaganda point for the Empire for the remainder of their war with the Felkan Kingdom.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 25 While the war with the Felkans seemed to be going smoothly, the situation has changed somewhat. The Empire still has the upper hand, but unfortunately this has become a three-way entanglement. @@ -23240,8 +23240,8 @@ The svelk carry your body all the way back to Empire occupied territory where El Members of Alison’s battalion find it and assume that perhaps the gnolls got a hold of you, but when Alison sees that your body has been practically flayed, your genitals have been cut off and stuffed in your mouth along with your own dagger shoved up your rectum, she knows it was most likely Eldolith. -Alison decides the blame the gnolls anyway. Mainly because it rallies the troops to fight harder and partly because while she had no love for Eldolith, she understands why she did it." -"While you aren’t going to defy direct orders you figure you can at least lessen the gnoll attacks and keep the svelk out of your hair at the same time. Alison is certainly supportive of the idea. +Alison decides the blame the gnolls anyway. Mainly because it rallies the troops to fight harder and partly because while she had no love for Eldolith, she understands why she did it.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>While you aren’t going to defy direct orders you figure you can at least lessen the gnoll attacks and keep the svelk out of your hair at the same time. Alison is certainly supportive of the idea. You tell the svelk leaders what you want done and how you want it done. You get no dissension or even any grumbles. They either realize you mean business or they’re all silently conspiring against you to strike at a later time. Probably both, but for right now its enough that they just obey your orders. @@ -23409,8 +23409,8 @@ Alison takes aim with her bow again and aims for Eldolith who is just starting t Alison neatly explains away everything with a gnoll attack. It also helps that the gnolls did attack soon after this incident in greater force than before. Fortunately for Alison she’s well respected and liked by the soldiers so nobody ever contradicts her story. Not to mention they’re glad to be rid of the svelk and to a small degree you as well given how fearful they all were of you. -Still, part of Alison always regretted that it had to be done at all." -"You don’t like disagreeing with the Emperor’s strategic decisions and you certainly don’t want to deal with svelk in your camp, but from what you know of Roldan replacing him now wouldn’t be a good move as he is the best-qualified general. The only person you can think of that would be better is yourself, but the Emperor has made it quite clear he wants you to stay put, so you aren’t going to argue the issue. +Still, part of Alison always regretted that it had to be done at all.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You don’t like disagreeing with the Emperor’s strategic decisions and you certainly don’t want to deal with svelk in your camp, but from what you know of Roldan replacing him now wouldn’t be a good move as he is the best-qualified general. The only person you can think of that would be better is yourself, but the Emperor has made it quite clear he wants you to stay put, so you aren’t going to argue the issue. “If you believe the svelk can be useful as support on the gnoll front, then I shall figure out a way to make it work.” You remark, which seems to surprise the Emperor. “Mm, very well. You sure it won’t be a problem?” @@ -23796,8 +23796,8 @@ Kane isn’t quite sure of what to make of all of it, but sensing that he can’ Unknown to you, Kane was possessed by a wendigo during his tour in Rask, though his hunger is well sated here. Kane never liked Mistress’ threats of exposure or taunts and proceeds to eat her alive. Of course being a vegetable she is unable to scream as his teeth sink into her flesh. -You on the other hand, Kane ends your life with a blade to your throat out of respect for you before feasting on your corpse." -"Year 28 +You on the other hand, Kane ends your life with a blade to your throat out of respect for you before feasting on your corpse.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 28 You hate these baby-sitting missions, but when the Emperor wants something done right he always requests you personally to do it, so here you are marching hundreds of gnomes to their new home. @@ -23982,8 +23982,8 @@ Mistress casts a banishment spell and while that’s a great thing to cast on th After it’s all said and done the wendigo is gone along with your mind. While its possible you might be able to live some sort of existence if someone assisted you with things like eating, but you don’t live in such a world and you certainly aren’t around any such people that would be willing to do that, hell if you could express anything anymore you’d say yourself that you wouldn’t want to live any more in this near vegetative state. -Fortunately Mistress knows this and puts an end to your life. It’s probably the kindest thing she’s ever done for you." -"You are sorely tempted. You are really sorely tempted. However, there are a couple factors at play that are preventing you from doing so. One, you’re dubious about trusting a bunch of gnome souls. It isn’t like they still aren’t your enemy no matter what form they take or the situation at hand. The enemy of your enemy is still YOUR enemy as far as you’re concerned. This could be a trick to get the upper hand on their part. +Fortunately Mistress knows this and puts an end to your life. It’s probably the kindest thing she’s ever done for you.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You are sorely tempted. You are really sorely tempted. However, there are a couple factors at play that are preventing you from doing so. One, you’re dubious about trusting a bunch of gnome souls. It isn’t like they still aren’t your enemy no matter what form they take or the situation at hand. The enemy of your enemy is still YOUR enemy as far as you’re concerned. This could be a trick to get the upper hand on their part. Second and most importantly, this is still a mission for the Emperor. If he wanted you to work with Mistress to send a bunch of gnome souls to oblivion then that’s what you’re going to do regardless of your personal feelings towards her. @@ -24272,8 +24272,8 @@ You continue to stare upward and slack jaw in a comatose state. Mistress kneels down and takes her dagger that she gave you a long time ago and holds it to your throat. -“Well at least I got to kiss you one last time.” She says and ends what remains of your life." -"Year 30 +“Well at least I got to kiss you one last time.” She says and ends what remains of your life.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 30 The day has come at last, the Felkan capital; Dessel has been broken wide open. Its defenses have been shattered and all that’s left now is to scoop out the soft underbelly within. @@ -24541,8 +24541,8 @@ Brenda doesn’t say anything at first and you fully expect her to go off on you The good news is your hunch was correct. The bad news is your detection spell couldn’t work on something that was already dead and as a result so are you. -You can only hope that Brenda gets her revenge and figures it all out, because you won’t." -"Year 32 +You can only hope that Brenda gets her revenge and figures it all out, because you won’t.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 32 You look for a seat on the palace balcony to watch Roldan’s big parade celebration. @@ -24617,8 +24617,8 @@ You pick her up off the floor like a rag doll and slam her back against the balc “There you go, sweet talking me again.” She says and with one last burst of energy and surprising strength she grabs your collar and pulls you forward and the pair of you go tumbling over the balcony. -Your last thoughts before you hit the cold stone courtyard below are of the happier times with Alison followed by the happy thoughts that at least you got to see Mistress hit the ground a split second before you do." -"You get on your horse and make your way to the Empire capital. +Your last thoughts before you hit the cold stone courtyard below are of the happier times with Alison followed by the happy thoughts that at least you got to see Mistress hit the ground a split second before you do.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You get on your horse and make your way to the Empire capital. You’re not doing it, plain and simple. The Emperor can deal with you as he sees fit, but you are not going to help Mistress for any reason. You made the attempt and it resulted in trickery again. @@ -24911,8 +24911,8 @@ Brenda doesn’t say anything at first and you fully expect her to go off on you The good news is your hunch was correct. The bad news is your detection spell couldn’t work on something that was already dead and as a result so are you. -You can only hope that Brenda gets her revenge and figures it all out, because you won’t." -"Year 32 +You can only hope that Brenda gets her revenge and figures it all out, because you won’t.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 32 “It’s not just a celebration for Roldan, it’s the celebration of the victory over the Felkans.” You remark. “I know that, but why is he getting a special parade? Roldan wasn’t the only one who brought down the Felkan Kingdom! He wasn’t even the only general!” Alison exclaims. @@ -25478,8 +25478,8 @@ Dozens of the damn things gibbering, slobbering, laughing and howling in your ea You fight the best you can and slay several of the creature, but for every one you kill it seems like two more take its place. Things don’t get any batter when another large group of the creatures come from the direction you were originally running towards show up as reinforcements. The sheer numbers are bad enough, but what’s really making things worse is the slight drain of your energy from the very air of this accursed place. -Several of you fingers are bitten off, your armor is stripped off and eventually the creatures manage pile on you so much that you fall to the ground. In your last moments you scream out for the Emperor to help you, but nobody arrives and the creatures finish eating you alive." -"There’s no way you’d ever murder your father least of all over allegations from Semra and Jacob. None of this makes any damn sense anyway. +Several of you fingers are bitten off, your armor is stripped off and eventually the creatures manage pile on you so much that you fall to the ground. In your last moments you scream out for the Emperor to help you, but nobody arrives and the creatures finish eating you alive.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>There’s no way you’d ever murder your father least of all over allegations from Semra and Jacob. None of this makes any damn sense anyway. Semra’s lying and trying to manipulate you as usual. She’s taken her treachery to its next logical level, attempting to overthrow the Emperor. As for Jacob, the man is just a weak willed traitor that’s easily fooled by her lies. He’s also probably harboring a petty grudge for the countless times the Emperor scolded him for his incompetence. @@ -25647,8 +25647,8 @@ You crawl out of the way of the ensuing magic battle. You can’t even see who i You push past your lingering weakness and start running in a random direction, you don’t get far when you suddenly feel that all encompassing drain again. At first you think its Nicodemus, but its something less personal. Its one of those negative zones that the Emperor mentioned, you just ran into one. -His comment that stepping into one could instantly turn you into a thousand year skeleton isn’t quite accurate. It takes you at least five minutes before something similar happens. The strange thing is you end up feeling every agonizing second of decomposition before you are no more." -"You take the logical approach that most things don’t like fire and cast a few quick flame bolts at the horde. This works to a small degree in that it sets a few on fire and causes them to fall to the ground trying to put the flames out, which stops the momentum a bit as the non flaming “villagers” trip over the burning ones. +His comment that stepping into one could instantly turn you into a thousand year skeleton isn’t quite accurate. It takes you at least five minutes before something similar happens. The strange thing is you end up feeling every agonizing second of decomposition before you are no more.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You take the logical approach that most things don’t like fire and cast a few quick flame bolts at the horde. This works to a small degree in that it sets a few on fire and causes them to fall to the ground trying to put the flames out, which stops the momentum a bit as the non flaming “villagers” trip over the burning ones. As you run through the village more of them are coming out their homes ahead of you. Several of the inhabitants attempt to grab you, but you cut them down instead. They’re tougher and stronger than they look and seemingly very resistant to the concept of pain. You sliced into the neck of one and the hideous thing actually began laughing. @@ -25765,32 +25765,32 @@ You have no response you just continue to stare at the dust. You begin to gather your strength and thoughts as you are starting to become annoyed with this Nicodemus. “I still am.” You reply seriously. -""Hmm, I see even with Casimir dead, your indoctrination still holds. (Sigh) I hope for your sake that will fade in time lest you end up like he did or the power hungry ancestors of this place. This island was once lush and full of life you know. Makas as it once was called had a thriving civilization with a strong navy. Even the mighty Svelk Empire at the time didn’t dare attack us. Then this accursed book was created and changed everything. This is why Casimir was exiled.” Nicodemus says and lifts up the non-descript book while still clutching it his arm. +"Hmm, I see even with Casimir dead, your indoctrination still holds. (Sigh) I hope for your sake that will fade in time lest you end up like he did or the power hungry ancestors of this place. This island was once lush and full of life you know. Makas as it once was called had a thriving civilization with a strong navy. Even the mighty Svelk Empire at the time didn’t dare attack us. Then this accursed book was created and changed everything. This is why Casimir was exiled.” Nicodemus says and lifts up the non-descript book while still clutching it his arm. “Did he create it?” you ask. “Hah. Casimir could’ve only hoped to create something so powerful. No he was just another of our kind that thought he could achieve the impossible, to become a god. This book is just an ancient mistake of our predecessors and a reminder of why we were not meant to live forever.” “So what is it, a powerful book of necromantic spells?” “If it were only that, it might be less dangerous. The more dangerous part is the fact that it's not just a spellbook. It’s a gateway to another dimension. Of course we didn’t really realize that or what we were doing until it was nearly too late.” -""I don't understand."" +"I don't understand." “Our civilization couldn’t leave well enough alone. We had everything, but we still couldn’t stop the ravages of time and ultimately death. So we did the logical thing of exploring the necromantic arts. It was an exciting time to be sure; I was actually a young and eager researcher myself back then. It took decades, but eventually we managed to unlock everything we could about the art of necromancy. We could’ve very well taken over the world I believe with our power, but our goals were bigger. We wanted immortality. To be as gods. Nothing less would do. In this book lies the combined knowledge of every forbidden, obscure and even common necromantic arts. We planned on using it to cast off these fragile mortal shells and ascend to a new plane of existence.” “So…what happened?” “This. The ritual that was to give us immortality destroyed our civilization as we knew it and created what you see today. I was actually not involved in the ritual as at the time I was not as skilled of a wizard, but I saw the devastation that occurred. A black void opened up above the entire island and its very presence killed many weaker individuals instantly. It didn’t take long for the arch mages performing this ritual to realize that they weren’t being imbued with eternal life, they were opening a portal to death itself. Fortunately some of the mages weren’t quite so obsessed with immortality and realized that this was a bad idea and so managed to close the gate before it engulfed the entire island…possibly even the world.” “That can’t be the end of it.” “Oh no, it most certainly was not. The entire island had been infused with negative energy and necromantic magic to a point where it was oddly keeping those that lived a much increased life span. However it also made many mad with power. Some of the more obsessed mages were furious about the gate being closed. They desired that the gate remain open, still believing it would lead to immortality. Others settled for the lesser immortality, but desired more power. Thus began the war of the necromancers who marched armies of the dead to wage endless battles with each other and destroying the rest of the island in the process.” -“It was only when every inch of this place was cursed and forever tainted that the survivors finally stopped to recognize the folly of their ways. The folly that someone can have total control over death, let alone cheat it forever."" +“It was only when every inch of this place was cursed and forever tainted that the survivors finally stopped to recognize the folly of their ways. The folly that someone can have total control over death, let alone cheat it forever." “My father obviously disagreed.” You say. -“Yes, though he wasn't the first and sadly he probably won't be the last. Every once in awhile one of our number gets a little power hungry. Usually it’s a phase and we exile them as we did with Casimir. Most soon learn that their powers gradually weaken and beg to come back, others vainly try to make it on their own and usually die expending all their energy as soon as they try to raise an army of the dead to conquer whatever it is they've set their eyes on. I have to admit though, Casimir proved to be a little more determined than most. He was smart to stop using his necromancy and rely on more traditional means to run a nation. Even his way of attempting to cheat death was rather clever. A shame he didn't focus his energy on something more worthwhile."" -""He did."" You answer defiantly. +“Yes, though he wasn't the first and sadly he probably won't be the last. Every once in awhile one of our number gets a little power hungry. Usually it’s a phase and we exile them as we did with Casimir. Most soon learn that their powers gradually weaken and beg to come back, others vainly try to make it on their own and usually die expending all their energy as soon as they try to raise an army of the dead to conquer whatever it is they've set their eyes on. I have to admit though, Casimir proved to be a little more determined than most. He was smart to stop using his necromancy and rely on more traditional means to run a nation. Even his way of attempting to cheat death was rather clever. A shame he didn't focus his energy on something more worthwhile." +"He did." You answer defiantly. Nicodemus seems slightly exasperated now. -""And again you defend a man who cared nothing for you and would've devoured your life force just to extend his life span a little longer. What did he do that was so worthwhile? Create his Empire? Lesser men than him have done similar things and with a lot less resources, he wasn't really special in that regard. Live for centuries? He could've stayed here and lived for a lot longer than that if he'd just abandoned his mad plans. Power is fleeting Eternal. LIFE is fleeting. No one lives forever and no one rules forever. Not on this world anyway. Even necromancers die. Just takes us a little longer than most and trust me, we aren't ruling anything so much as we’re doomed to act as guardians to this world’s life. Most of us know or learn that lesson, because after it's all said and done, this book teaches that important message."" -""Message? You’ve been going on about how dangerous the book is. And if the book is so dangerous, why not just destroy or get rid of it?"" you say. -""You don’t believe that’s been tried? Trust me, it has by every known ability to us and then some. Getting rid of it would be unwise for it could just fall into the hands of someone who does not know its true power and they may unleash its awfulness. Better we should remain its guardians and make sure nobody else ever has to suffer the same fate we do. So if one good thing comes from the book, then it is that lesson. A reminder of what hubris does. Sadly some just fail to learn the lesson. Not everything is black and white, contrary to your worldview of things Eternal. I hope that will fade in time as well. Speaking of time, I believe yours here should be coming to an end. Your master is dead and you have no further business here."" +"And again you defend a man who cared nothing for you and would've devoured your life force just to extend his life span a little longer. What did he do that was so worthwhile? Create his Empire? Lesser men than him have done similar things and with a lot less resources, he wasn't really special in that regard. Live for centuries? He could've stayed here and lived for a lot longer than that if he'd just abandoned his mad plans. Power is fleeting Eternal. LIFE is fleeting. No one lives forever and no one rules forever. Not on this world anyway. Even necromancers die. Just takes us a little longer than most and trust me, we aren't ruling anything so much as we’re doomed to act as guardians to this world’s life. Most of us know or learn that lesson, because after it's all said and done, this book teaches that important message." +"Message? You’ve been going on about how dangerous the book is. And if the book is so dangerous, why not just destroy or get rid of it?" you say. +"You don’t believe that’s been tried? Trust me, it has by every known ability to us and then some. Getting rid of it would be unwise for it could just fall into the hands of someone who does not know its true power and they may unleash its awfulness. Better we should remain its guardians and make sure nobody else ever has to suffer the same fate we do. So if one good thing comes from the book, then it is that lesson. A reminder of what hubris does. Sadly some just fail to learn the lesson. Not everything is black and white, contrary to your worldview of things Eternal. I hope that will fade in time as well. Speaking of time, I believe yours here should be coming to an end. Your master is dead and you have no further business here." Nicodemus mutters a small incantation and a portal opens up near you. -""This will take you back to your Empire. Goodbye Eternal, and I hope for your sake you find your own way, you'll find yourself a lot better off."" +"This will take you back to your Empire. Goodbye Eternal, and I hope for your sake you find your own way, you'll find yourself a lot better off." The Emperor is dead and while this man may not have caused it directly, you still feel he is somehow responsible. Part of you wants to attack Nicodemus, but you also know that may not be wise as it is obvious the man wields great power. Then there is the book he holds. You almost feel drawn to it… > Attack Nicodemus @@ -25800,8 +25800,8 @@ He’s not even fazed; he’s not even all that surprised. Ignoring the frost on “(Sigh) If I didn’t know better I’d think that Casimir had succeeded in transferring himself into you, but you are not Casimir. You’re not even half as powerful as he was. You are a confused child that’s desperately and misguidedly still trying to prove yourself to an uncaring father figure. Under different circumstances, you’d be a figure of pity and mercy. However you do have the potential to be very dangerous and I can see that you’ve not listened to a single thing I’ve tried to tell you today. You probably never will either. May you find some sort of peace in death that you obviously couldn’t find in life.” Nicodemus remarks. -You can’t even respond back, your whole body is becoming lethargic and numb. Your heartbeat starts slowing down, and your vision begins to darken. Soon you can’t see anything at all and surrender to eternal sleep." -"You’ve believed in the Emperor this long and this far. You and he have overcome all obstacles and enemies together. This Nicodemus is just another in a long line of them. You don’t know all the history that he and the Emperor have, but all you know is he will fall like all others. If the Emperor’s next conquest is to be this island then that is what will be done. If it is you that will be needed to help in this mission, then you will gladly serve and die if necessary. +You can’t even respond back, your whole body is becoming lethargic and numb. Your heartbeat starts slowing down, and your vision begins to darken. Soon you can’t see anything at all and surrender to eternal sleep.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You’ve believed in the Emperor this long and this far. You and he have overcome all obstacles and enemies together. This Nicodemus is just another in a long line of them. You don’t know all the history that he and the Emperor have, but all you know is he will fall like all others. If the Emperor’s next conquest is to be this island then that is what will be done. If it is you that will be needed to help in this mission, then you will gladly serve and die if necessary. And if… @@ -25842,32 +25842,32 @@ You have no response you just continue to stare at the dust. You begin to gather your strength and thoughts as you are starting to become annoyed with this Nicodemus. “I still am.” You reply seriously. -""Hmm, I see even with Casimir dead, your indoctrination still holds. (Sigh) I hope for your sake that will fade in time lest you end up like he did or the power hungry ancestors of this place. This island was once lush and full of life you know. Makas as it once was called had a thriving civilization with a strong navy. Even the mighty Svelk Empire at the time didn’t dare attack us. Then this accursed book was created and changed everything. This is why Casimir was exiled.” Nicodemus says and lifts up the non-descript book while still clutching it his arm. +"Hmm, I see even with Casimir dead, your indoctrination still holds. (Sigh) I hope for your sake that will fade in time lest you end up like he did or the power hungry ancestors of this place. This island was once lush and full of life you know. Makas as it once was called had a thriving civilization with a strong navy. Even the mighty Svelk Empire at the time didn’t dare attack us. Then this accursed book was created and changed everything. This is why Casimir was exiled.” Nicodemus says and lifts up the non-descript book while still clutching it his arm. “Did he create it?” you ask. “Hah. Casimir could’ve only hoped to create something so powerful. No he was just another of our kind that thought he could achieve the impossible, to become a god. This book is just an ancient mistake of our predecessors and a reminder of why we were not meant to live forever.” “So what is it, a powerful book of necromantic spells?” “If it were only that, it might be less dangerous. The more dangerous part is the fact that it's not just a spellbook. It’s a gateway to another dimension. Of course we didn’t really realize that or what we were doing until it was nearly too late.” -""I don't understand."" +"I don't understand." “Our civilization couldn’t leave well enough alone. We had everything, but we still couldn’t stop the ravages of time and ultimately death. So we did the logical thing of exploring the necromantic arts. It was an exciting time to be sure; I was actually a young and eager researcher myself back then. It took decades, but eventually we managed to unlock everything we could about the art of necromancy. We could’ve very well taken over the world I believe with our power, but our goals were bigger. We wanted immortality. To be as gods. Nothing less would do. In this book lies the combined knowledge of every forbidden, obscure and even common necromantic arts. We planned on using it to cast off these fragile mortal shells and ascend to a new plane of existence.” “So…what happened?” “This. The ritual that was to give us immortality destroyed our civilization as we knew it and created what you see today. I was actually not involved in the ritual as at the time I was not as skilled of a wizard, but I saw the devastation that occurred. A black void opened up above the entire island and its very presence killed many weaker individuals instantly. It didn’t take long for the arch mages performing this ritual to realize that they weren’t being imbued with eternal life, they were opening a portal to death itself. Fortunately some of the mages weren’t quite so obsessed with immortality and realized that this was a bad idea and so managed to close the gate before it engulfed the entire island…possibly even the world.” “That can’t be the end of it.” “Oh no, it most certainly was not. The entire island had been infused with negative energy and necromantic magic to a point where it was oddly keeping those that lived a much increased life span. However it also made many mad with power. Some of the more obsessed mages were furious about the gate being closed. They desired that the gate remain open, still believing it would lead to immortality. Others settled for the lesser immortality, but desired more power. Thus began the war of the necromancers who marched armies of the dead to wage endless battles with each other and destroying the rest of the island in the process.” -“It was only when every inch of this place was cursed and forever tainted that the survivors finally stopped to recognize the folly of their ways. The folly that someone can have total control over death, let alone cheat it forever."" +“It was only when every inch of this place was cursed and forever tainted that the survivors finally stopped to recognize the folly of their ways. The folly that someone can have total control over death, let alone cheat it forever." “My father obviously disagreed.” You say. -“Yes, though he wasn't the first and sadly he probably won't be the last. Every once in awhile one of our number gets a little power hungry. Usually it’s a phase and we exile them as we did with Casimir. Most soon learn that their powers gradually weaken and beg to come back, others vainly try to make it on their own and usually die expending all their energy as soon as they try to raise an army of the dead to conquer whatever it is they've set their eyes on. I have to admit though, Casimir proved to be a little more determined than most. He was smart to stop using his necromancy and rely on more traditional means to run a nation. Even his way of attempting to cheat death was rather clever. A shame he didn't focus his energy on something more worthwhile."" -""He did."" You answer defiantly. +“Yes, though he wasn't the first and sadly he probably won't be the last. Every once in awhile one of our number gets a little power hungry. Usually it’s a phase and we exile them as we did with Casimir. Most soon learn that their powers gradually weaken and beg to come back, others vainly try to make it on their own and usually die expending all their energy as soon as they try to raise an army of the dead to conquer whatever it is they've set their eyes on. I have to admit though, Casimir proved to be a little more determined than most. He was smart to stop using his necromancy and rely on more traditional means to run a nation. Even his way of attempting to cheat death was rather clever. A shame he didn't focus his energy on something more worthwhile." +"He did." You answer defiantly. Nicodemus seems slightly exasperated now. -""And again you defend a man who cared nothing for you and would've devoured your life force just to extend his life span a little longer. What did he do that was so worthwhile? Create his Empire? Lesser men than him have done similar things and with a lot less resources, he wasn't really special in that regard. Live for centuries? He could've stayed here and lived for a lot longer than that if he'd just abandoned his mad plans. Power is fleeting Eternal. LIFE is fleeting. No one lives forever and no one rules forever. Not on this world anyway. Even necromancers die. Just takes us a little longer than most and trust me, we aren't ruling anything so much as we’re doomed to act as guardians to this world’s life. Most of us know or learn that lesson, because after it's all said and done, this book teaches that important message."" -""Message? You’ve been going on about how dangerous the book is. And if the book is so dangerous, why not just destroy or get rid of it?"" you say. -""You don’t believe that’s been tried? Trust me, it has by every known ability to us and then some. Getting rid of it would be unwise for it could just fall into the hands of someone who does not know its true power and they may unleash its awfulness. Better we should remain its guardians and make sure nobody else ever has to suffer the same fate we do. So if one good thing comes from the book, then it is that lesson. A reminder of what hubris does. Sadly some just fail to learn the lesson. Not everything is black and white, contrary to your worldview of things Eternal. I hope that will fade in time as well. Speaking of time, I believe yours here should be coming to an end. Your master is dead and you have no further business here."" +"And again you defend a man who cared nothing for you and would've devoured your life force just to extend his life span a little longer. What did he do that was so worthwhile? Create his Empire? Lesser men than him have done similar things and with a lot less resources, he wasn't really special in that regard. Live for centuries? He could've stayed here and lived for a lot longer than that if he'd just abandoned his mad plans. Power is fleeting Eternal. LIFE is fleeting. No one lives forever and no one rules forever. Not on this world anyway. Even necromancers die. Just takes us a little longer than most and trust me, we aren't ruling anything so much as we’re doomed to act as guardians to this world’s life. Most of us know or learn that lesson, because after it's all said and done, this book teaches that important message." +"Message? You’ve been going on about how dangerous the book is. And if the book is so dangerous, why not just destroy or get rid of it?" you say. +"You don’t believe that’s been tried? Trust me, it has by every known ability to us and then some. Getting rid of it would be unwise for it could just fall into the hands of someone who does not know its true power and they may unleash its awfulness. Better we should remain its guardians and make sure nobody else ever has to suffer the same fate we do. So if one good thing comes from the book, then it is that lesson. A reminder of what hubris does. Sadly some just fail to learn the lesson. Not everything is black and white, contrary to your worldview of things Eternal. I hope that will fade in time as well. Speaking of time, I believe yours here should be coming to an end. Your master is dead and you have no further business here." Nicodemus mutters a small incantation and a portal opens up near you. -""This will take you back to your Empire. Goodbye Eternal, and I hope for your sake you find your own way, you'll find yourself a lot better off."" +"This will take you back to your Empire. Goodbye Eternal, and I hope for your sake you find your own way, you'll find yourself a lot better off." The Emperor is dead and while this man may not have caused it directly, you still feel he is somehow responsible. Part of you wants to attack Nicodemus, but you also know that may not be wise as it is obvious the man wields great power. Then there is the book he holds. You almost feel drawn to it… > Enter the portal @@ -25921,16 +25921,16 @@ You won’t be doing that. You’ll be leading from the front rather than hiding When everyone finally arrives they naturally all wonder what’s going on, you get right to the point. -""The Emperor as most of us knew him has moved on from this world. As his only logical successor I will be taking his place. If anyone has a problem with this we can have a civilized discussion about it on the battlefield which I have no doubt I will be seeing a lot of when several pretenders, dissidents and outright anarchists attempt to dethrone me. They will fail. The Empire will not fall today or anytime soon. This is just a new era for it and one I fully intend on making successful. The Empire currently is doing well, but I'm confident that with your loyalty and obedience we can make it even stronger."" +"The Emperor as most of us knew him has moved on from this world. As his only logical successor I will be taking his place. If anyone has a problem with this we can have a civilized discussion about it on the battlefield which I have no doubt I will be seeing a lot of when several pretenders, dissidents and outright anarchists attempt to dethrone me. They will fail. The Empire will not fall today or anytime soon. This is just a new era for it and one I fully intend on making successful. The Empire currently is doing well, but I'm confident that with your loyalty and obedience we can make it even stronger." You take a pause in your speech and scan your audience. None of them are interrupting. They all seem to be captivated, of course maybe some are just planning on trying to assassinate you later, but for now you’ll take their attention as a positive sign. -""Join me and the Empire will live forever. YOU will live forever! Who's with me?"" +"Join me and the Empire will live forever. YOU will live forever! Who's with me?" No sooner have you finished your statement, several of the advisors bend their knee and bow towards you. The soldiers draw their weapons and raise them in air pledging their loyalty. -""Hail to the new Emperor!"" -""Long live the Empire!"" +"Hail to the new Emperor!" +"Long live the Empire!" Well that went better than you expected. @@ -26397,8 +26397,8 @@ Then the vision fades and everything goes dark… You never wake up from your slumber. -Finding you dead with a faint smile on your face, Ackerson comes to the correct conclusion that the dryads must’ve somehow killed you in your sleep. Considering you aren’t the only one in the army to die in such a manner within the last twenty-four hours he orders a full retreat from the area." -"You figure Warrick deserves something for all his hard work and loyalty, besides you’re still a little hesitant to go flying off into the sky. +Finding you dead with a faint smile on your face, Ackerson comes to the correct conclusion that the dryads must’ve somehow killed you in your sleep. Considering you aren’t the only one in the army to die in such a manner within the last twenty-four hours he orders a full retreat from the area.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You figure Warrick deserves something for all his hard work and loyalty, besides you’re still a little hesitant to go flying off into the sky. “Warrick, I also saw Elam a few days ago too. He told me that by the end of this week, it should be ready for flight as well as combat. Originally I was going to take the first official flight on it, but would you like to do the honors?” you ask. @@ -26631,8 +26631,8 @@ When you arrive you enter the inn and see your other two soldiers and on the flo Is that Eldolith? -You’ll never know for sure as a well-placed bolt pierces your skull." -"Whatever defenses the Torites are going to muster within the time you come back with the Storm as far as you’re concerned aren’t going to be enough to save them. Better you should come back prepared and your soliders better rested as well. +You’ll never know for sure as a well-placed bolt pierces your skull.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Whatever defenses the Torites are going to muster within the time you come back with the Storm as far as you’re concerned aren’t going to be enough to save them. Better you should come back prepared and your soliders better rested as well. “I think it’s time to leave. In fact I think it’ll be best if the entire army moves away from this area.” You say. “We’re retreating?” Flevas asks. @@ -26942,8 +26942,8 @@ Despite being woozy from the gas attack, you grab the minotaur’s axe. The weap Sprawled to the ground, you attempt to cast a cone of frost, but the minotaur has already followed up its attack and picked you up off the ground with both hands. Then with one quick move he slams your back over his knee breaking it and throws you in front of the chimera, which has successfully put out the flames you bestowed upon its face earlier. -Your last moments are the chimera’s lion head sinking its fangs into your throat." -"“Shit.” You grumble and get up. +Your last moments are the chimera’s lion head sinking its fangs into your throat.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“Shit.” You grumble and get up. After getting dressed, you march out of your tent with sword in hand. Multiple soldiers on duty ask if you’re okay, but you just ignore them and head directly to where Ackerson’s camp located. @@ -27250,8 +27250,8 @@ Your magic hits around and even directly on target, but it just isn’t enough t You see a bright flash and feel a brief sizzle throughout your entire body and then nothing at all. -And you never do get the pleasure of executing Eldolith yourself when Warrick captures her alive." -"Year 45 +And you never do get the pleasure of executing Eldolith yourself when Warrick captures her alive.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 45 “…and even with your natural gifts and after your training is over in six years, your true service to the Empire will have only just begun. You will all be expected to perform to your fullest capabilities because as Eternals you are to be the very best that the Empire has to offer. And out there you will need to show that to our many enemies so that they never forget it. Duty, loyalty, valor and the will to survive, these are traits I expect to see in all of you for I am always watching. Remember this.” You say as your parting words to the new Eternals. @@ -27476,8 +27476,8 @@ Before you can finish your sentence suddenly a huge blast of lightning from abov “NOW!” you hear Klemto shout, while you’re still clearing the cobwebs. Several gnomes armed with repeating rifles pop up out of the ground and fire upon you. Warrick is struck in the head and killed instantly. -You are hit in the body enough times to feel the pain of each bit of hot lead going in ripping up your insides and coming out the other end. Then much like your now dead brother in arms, you are hit in the head and killed leaving nothing behind but a bloody bullet ridden body with brains leaking out uselessly into the soil." -"Kivan may mean well, but you’ve got more experience in this matter. In fact you’re going to just find out what’s going on right now. +You are hit in the body enough times to feel the pain of each bit of hot lead going in ripping up your insides and coming out the other end. Then much like your now dead brother in arms, you are hit in the head and killed leaving nothing behind but a bloody bullet ridden body with brains leaking out uselessly into the soil.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Kivan may mean well, but you’ve got more experience in this matter. In fact you’re going to just find out what’s going on right now. “Warrick, we know where New Dessle is correct?” you ask. “Yes, it’s the only large mountain south of the city states. I imagine the entrance is probably hidden, but I’m sure the kobolds could tunnel through with enough time.” @@ -27926,8 +27926,8 @@ You roll off of Semra gagging. You start coughing up blood, though you can’t s You are still howling in pain and making incoherent groans, but you try to focus on healing yourself. It isn’t to be however. Healing such grievous wounds would take time and that isn’t time you have right now. -Semra finishes you off by giving her dagger back to you, which results in it going through your neck." -"Year 52 +Semra finishes you off by giving her dagger back to you, which results in it going through your neck.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 52 “The Sorcerer King still wants to meet with you my Emperor, he says he really wants to visit Empire lands and wishes to reassure you that there doesn’t need to be any increasing animosity between the two nations.” Kivan says. “(Sigh) Again? That’s what like the sixth letter he’s sent? Never have I known a leader whose country isn’t on the verge of destruction so eager to be friends. And even when said countries have been on that verge of destruction some have preferred death over surrender. Makes me suspicious of him on general principle.” You say. @@ -28180,8 +28180,8 @@ Warrick suddenly pulls his pistol and shoots you in the chest twice, before you “She still loves you…that’s why she sent me! Long live the new regime!” Warrick yells and shoots you again in the head. -You’re already dead when the rest of your soldiers come running and find Warrick cackling about Decena will be coming soon to wipe away the rest of the corrupt Empire." -"As crazy as it is to believe, if Semra’s actually here then it might not be an entirely bad thing. So far she’s always attempted to help you, and you imagine if she really wanted to kill you, you wouldn’t have heard a thing. +You’re already dead when the rest of your soldiers come running and find Warrick cackling about Decena will be coming soon to wipe away the rest of the corrupt Empire.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>As crazy as it is to believe, if Semra’s actually here then it might not be an entirely bad thing. So far she’s always attempted to help you, and you imagine if she really wanted to kill you, you wouldn’t have heard a thing. “Semra. why am I not entirely surprised to find out you’re somehow mixed up in this?” you say not turning your head. “Because while you may be a fool obsessed conquest and order, you’re not an idiot.” @@ -29322,8 +29322,8 @@ As the others leave Decena stays by your side. She says nothing and just looks l “But what about you?” “I always expected to die someday and I’m fine with that. What matters is that YOU live forever. Because as long as you live forever, then the Empire lives forever and if the Empire lives forever then I live forever. As do all those that have served it loyally. As will all Eternals. This is just the beginning my love. You have created a new race. One superior to all those before it.” -Decena proceeds to give you a kiss and hug you. You enjoy her warmth and realize even if you did die right now, it would be a perfect death." -"Elam’s always had wild ideas, but this “immortality” plan just sounds too far-fetched and quite frankly more than a little risky. You’d be sacrificing the original plan entirely just to what? Live forever as a brain in a tank? What kind of life is that? +Decena proceeds to give you a kiss and hug you. You enjoy her warmth and realize even if you did die right now, it would be a perfect death.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Elam’s always had wild ideas, but this “immortality” plan just sounds too far-fetched and quite frankly more than a little risky. You’d be sacrificing the original plan entirely just to what? Live forever as a brain in a tank? What kind of life is that? Even if something were set up so you could interact with the outside world, you’d still be very limited. Never again could you lift a weapon or cast a spell and face your enemies in battle. Never again could you enjoy the company of Decena in a meaningful way. And what of other potential mates when you eventually outlive her? You can’t imagine how you could be satisfied with the existence even if you did manage to conquer the rest of the world. Who knows what the long-term effects would be. You still think you’d probably go mad eventually. @@ -29450,8 +29450,8 @@ The secondary explosions from other machinery on fire finishes you off, along wi With the death of you and all the other top Eternals, the Empire soon descends into factions of the newer third and fourth generation Eternals fighting over who is the rightful “heir.” The other races either get caught in the middle or break off into their own factions. -This massive civil war would be the final days of the Empire." -"Year 67 +This massive civil war would be the final days of the Empire.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 67 Peace is a good thing for most people and in your elderly years you can even sort of appreciate it a little more, but the problem is, you’ve got hundreds of new Eternals who have been bred and trained for war and nobody to send them up against. @@ -29838,8 +29838,8 @@ You are filled with a sense of bliss that seems stronger than you’ve ever felt In any case you know now that this is just the beginning. You’ll have to make special arrangements due to your new form, but that’s all part of running an Empire. Now with your immortality secured, you can get back to expansion and possibly even get the Eternal project back up and running with alterations. Your plans to unite the entire world under Empire world has not changed and you know there are still places out there left to conquer. -Still, when you look on at Decena’s hand on the glass you wish you could just touch her again. If only for a moment." -"Year 72 +Still, when you look on at Decena’s hand on the glass you wish you could just touch her again. If only for a moment.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 72 You have to admit as the years passed by on this project, you’d wondered if you were just chasing a dream, but it looks like that dream will soon be a reality. @@ -29944,8 +29944,8 @@ As for Zana, she never was caught, but that was the least of the Empire’s prob Her success of killing you (and Decena) along with New Dessel’s extended siege inspired another rebellion. Warrick and Brenda might’ve been up to the task had they been a little younger, but when Warrick died of natural causes suddenly a few years later, it was a great blow to both the Empire and Brenda who took the death of a second husband hard. She eventually joined him a year later via suicide. -From there the downward spiral of the Empire was inevitable and in time records of the old regime were erased from history." -"Probably one of the crazier things you’ve done and its entirely possible you’re either trying to prove something to yourself or you just want this battle to be over with win or lose because you’re getting very tired. Probably a little bit of both. +From there the downward spiral of the Empire was inevitable and in time records of the old regime were erased from history.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Probably one of the crazier things you’ve done and its entirely possible you’re either trying to prove something to yourself or you just want this battle to be over with win or lose because you’re getting very tired. Probably a little bit of both. “Okay, you fucking overgrown flying lizard, it’s either going to be me or you today.” You say and expend more energy to reinforce your barrier. @@ -30024,8 +30024,8 @@ Just before you leave to break the news to Brenda, Elam asks another question. “Before you leave my Emperor. What about the other test subject?” “Oh, right. The magic source you need. Well despite Galen’s whining, he’s been a valuable asset to the Empire many times. This time shall be no different. So if you need him incapacitated, I’ll see to that business as well.” “I thank you my Emperor.” -“Don’t thank me, just get me positive results.” You remark before leaving." -"Year 60 +“Don’t thank me, just get me positive results.” You remark before leaving.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 60 Eighteen years ago the Children of Tor launched an all out assault on you and while it was a fierce battle, it was the beginning of the end for them as an effective fighting force. @@ -30091,8 +30091,8 @@ Even behind a barrier there is no way you’re going to withstand the full force As the dragon approaches you run to one of the battlement towers, unfortunately in your haste, you temporarily drop your barrier and that’s all the time the dragon needs to sense your vulnerability, even worse your expended fatigue doesn’t allow you to react quick enough to get to the shelter you need. -The dragon unleashes another great blast of fire, which completely envelops the top of the battlements and you along with it. The fire causes your flesh to burn, bubble and literally melt off your bones. You’re already dead by the time the dragon’s open maw swallows you whole as it continue to glide in your direction." -"Year 56 +The dragon unleashes another great blast of fire, which completely envelops the top of the battlements and you along with it. The fire causes your flesh to burn, bubble and literally melt off your bones. You’re already dead by the time the dragon’s open maw swallows you whole as it continue to glide in your direction.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 56 You enter Brenda’s office where upon the pair of your smile at each other. @@ -30217,8 +30217,8 @@ While the barrier still protects you and everyone within initially, it’s still Your strength falters and the barrier goes down and the flames envelop you and several of your troops. -In the last moments of your flesh melting off your bones you only regret that this fort will fall." -"Upon entering the throne room, Mortimer paces near his throne, looking up when you arrive. He certainly doesn’t look like the fop you remember, his clothes are now partly torn and dirty. He doesn’t look like he’s bathed in days making his hair to stand up in a way that would almost be laughable if he wasn’t currently possessed by a demon. His eyes give off an unearthly red glow. +In the last moments of your flesh melting off your bones you only regret that this fort will fall.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Upon entering the throne room, Mortimer paces near his throne, looking up when you arrive. He certainly doesn’t look like the fop you remember, his clothes are now partly torn and dirty. He doesn’t look like he’s bathed in days making his hair to stand up in a way that would almost be laughable if he wasn’t currently possessed by a demon. His eyes give off an unearthly red glow. The throne room itself is in shambles and pieces of dead bodies, entrails and blood are practically everywhere. A large broken crystal lies nearby, you can only guess that’s Zelvix’s former prison. @@ -31110,8 +31110,8 @@ The good news is you do make it out of Mortos in one piece. The bad news is you reappear several miles under water in the middle of one of the oceans. Taken completely by surprise by this you gasp for air and your body cannot handle such crushing pressure. -Your dead body falls to the bottom ocean where it provides nourishment for the creatures that live there." -"Year 65 +Your dead body falls to the bottom ocean where it provides nourishment for the creatures that live there.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 65 “It…it was horrible, my Emperor! The place was so dead. Like I could feel it everywhere…my…my hands…my skin…wrinkled with age! How could I have aged so quickly? It’s an evil place! Don’t send me back! I beg of you!” the test subject pleads while groveling at your boots, but all you do smile. @@ -31626,8 +31626,8 @@ Eventually you lose enough energy that you fall to the floor with Semra still on You weakly try to get her off of you, but Semra easily pins both of your hands down on the floor. Semra then moves her body downward on to yours. Face to face, you lay helplessly before her. -“Remember this.” She says and kisses you one last time and soon you are utterly drained to a husk and Semra has once again escaped long before anyone arrives to help you." -"If there were any other way, you’d do it, but there isn’t. You set out on this task with the mindset of achieving it at all costs. And if this task involves the death of ALL your troops, then so be it. They will have died in honor of the Empire and their Emperor. +“Remember this.” She says and kisses you one last time and soon you are utterly drained to a husk and Semra has once again escaped long before anyone arrives to help you.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>If there were any other way, you’d do it, but there isn’t. You set out on this task with the mindset of achieving it at all costs. And if this task involves the death of ALL your troops, then so be it. They will have died in honor of the Empire and their Emperor. The irony isn’t lost on you that you’ll be essentially doing something similar to what Casimir was planning on doing with you. @@ -32123,8 +32123,8 @@ You see grisly parodies of various people you’ve known. They all taunt and hur Every once in a while strange tentacle creatures float nearby and assault your body and your mind even worse than the mimics. Other times the very plane seems to do the same thing. Sometimes you are completely ripped apart only to be reformed again and not always in the correct way. You go completely insane, but never to a point where you no longer care or are bothered by the horrific experiences you are enduring. -There is no defense, no hope, and no escape from this living nightmare. Your mind shattered, your body broken, and your spirit crushed, you continue screaming having no other choice but to suffer your eternal torment." -"“Before we begin, if you have any major questions, now is the time.” The being says. +There is no defense, no hope, and no escape from this living nightmare. Your mind shattered, your body broken, and your spirit crushed, you continue screaming having no other choice but to suffer your eternal torment.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“Before we begin, if you have any major questions, now is the time.” The being says. You have to admit, this situation is so unique that you can’t help but be curious so you do decide to ask questions. (As well and somehow holding out the futile hope that you might find an advantage) @@ -32318,8 +32318,8 @@ Another day and night passes and when you wake up this time you remember nothing The only constant is that the pair of you know that you’re married and you love one another and that this has always been the case for as long as you both can remember. -And so you and Alison live together in eternal bliss." -"“Before we begin, if you have any major questions, now is the time.” The being says. +And so you and Alison live together in eternal bliss.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“Before we begin, if you have any major questions, now is the time.” The being says. You have to admit, this situation is so unique that you can’t help but be curious so you do decide to ask questions. (As well and somehow holding out the futile hope that you might find an advantage) @@ -32419,8 +32419,8 @@ You stand up and notice that you are no longer breathing. You do not feel the es And something about it is beautiful to you. You didn’t know that the dead could experience anything like feelings, but you can feel a thrill of anticipation of the death and destruction you’re going unleash on this world. Nothing in your old mortal life can compare to this moment. -“And to think, I hesitated.” You whisper." -"Year 80 +“And to think, I hesitated.” You whisper.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 80 “So you’re really going to do it?” Cassandra asks while lying in bed next to you. “That was sort of the point of going to Mortos in the first place.” You answer. @@ -32541,8 +32541,8 @@ Having little option you attempt to mend your broken neck through healing magic. In the meantime more spirits and the like pour out of the black void above the pyramid and the pile of bodies that were one dead have now begun to shuffle around their original area to the other side where you are currently at. Your Eternals that didn’t manage to kill themselves falling down the pyramid try to slow down the horde, but ultimately they fall before the sheer numbers and the unnatural magic affecting them. -Soon it is only you who are left and your broken neck still isn’t quite mended, you only manage to sit up just in time for the newly risen bodies of your sacrificial victims to eat you alive." -"Year 75 +Soon it is only you who are left and your broken neck still isn’t quite mended, you only manage to sit up just in time for the newly risen bodies of your sacrificial victims to eat you alive.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 75 The longer you spend in this place, the more you’re starting to like it and that is somewhat of a worrying thought to you, because it certainly isn’t a thought shared by anyone under your command. The last five years have probably been a nightmare to most. @@ -32631,8 +32631,8 @@ You struggle towards the fortress, but even with Damon helping you, you don’t “Take…take me back home…” you order Damon. You don’t even need to tell him twice, he sees how pale and weak you are and all of you are making a hasty retreat. -Unfortunately between your age, your wounds, your exhaustion and the general negative energy in Mortos, you don’t make back home alive and you unceremoniously pass away just before you get to the home portal." -"Year 62 +Unfortunately between your age, your wounds, your exhaustion and the general negative energy in Mortos, you don’t make back home alive and you unceremoniously pass away just before you get to the home portal.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 62 “The transport airships have made their test run to the outskirts of Dokkrus and returned. They’re ready for the real mission now, my Emperor.” Elam remarks. “Good, because we’re sending them and a couple of the upgraded regular airships.” You say. @@ -32691,8 +32691,8 @@ Just as you’re getting used to the long flight over the ocean, you are suddenl The a few of the Storm III’s cannons suddenly fire upon your transport ship! The transport you’re on is hit severely and is set ablaze along with several of the crew killed. More than that though is from this distance you can also see the Storm III suffering its own explosions in several places. You have no idea what is going on, but it’s obvious some sort of treachery has occurred. The only other thing you see is a figure jumping off the Storm and then a large odd piece of what you guess is white fabric comes out of the figure that jumped, slowing the descent. -Meanwhile your ship slowly starts veering towards the other transport while continuing to burn around you. Between the collision, the fire and the other explosions going on aboard the ship you are caught in this disaster and even your magic can’t save you. One explosion knocks you unconscious and you aren’t awake when the wreckage finally hits the ocean." -"Year 60 +Meanwhile your ship slowly starts veering towards the other transport while continuing to burn around you. Between the collision, the fire and the other explosions going on aboard the ship you are caught in this disaster and even your magic can’t save you. One explosion knocks you unconscious and you aren’t awake when the wreckage finally hits the ocean.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 60 “Well, looks like we’ve lost the Tornado.” Warrick says as the pair of you see through in the near distance a multi-colored dragon unleash a gout of flame from its mouth, which engulfs the airship. Already heavily damaged the flying fortress can’t take anymore and begins to explode. Minor ones at first, then one large one. Flaming pieces of the machine fall from the sky. @@ -32751,8 +32751,8 @@ In the meantime your soldiers are doing a fairly good job at combating the drago Several Iznac who retreated from the fort earlier were lurking nearby and taking advantage of your soldier’s preoccupation with the dragon and your preoccupation with healing Warrick one of them throws a spear right into your back. The force is such that the head of it actually protrudes a bit from your abdomen. -Losing complete concentration you yell out in pain and your own body slumps over Warrick’s. You struggle to crawl to a safer location and attempt to heal yourself, but the ambushing Iznac manage to cut you down before you are able." -"Year 56 +Losing complete concentration you yell out in pain and your own body slumps over Warrick’s. You struggle to crawl to a safer location and attempt to heal yourself, but the ambushing Iznac manage to cut you down before you are able.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 56 You enter Brenda’s office where upon she smiles briefly at you, though with everything you have on your mind, you don’t return the gesture instead you just nod. @@ -32852,8 +32852,8 @@ While the barrier still protects you and everyone within initially, it’s still Your strength falters and the barrier goes down and the flames envelop you and several of your troops. -In the last moments of your flesh melting off your bones you only regret that this fort will fall." -"Year 54 +In the last moments of your flesh melting off your bones you only regret that this fort will fall.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 54 Nakol’s existence as a nation is coming to an end. You’ve seized most of its territory. Its armies have practically been wiped out, and you’ve even eliminated most of Mortimer’s allies. @@ -32985,8 +32985,8 @@ With the battle still raging above ground, the tunnels do suffer from minor dama You hear a loud crash from above and then a louder rumble as massive amounts of dirt fall around and upon you. The kobolds you’re travelling with yelp in panic and try to get away either by retreating back the way you came or forward to where you’re going. You however can’t move quite as fast in the cramped tunnels and you become buried alive under rock and dirt. -Not even a glorious warriors death, just a convenient burial." -"Semra’s agendas have never always been completely clear with you, but you’re sure that whenever it is that you do listen to her, it somehow advances them to an end that will ultimately be no good for you in the long run. +Not even a glorious warriors death, just a convenient burial.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Semra’s agendas have never always been completely clear with you, but you’re sure that whenever it is that you do listen to her, it somehow advances them to an end that will ultimately be no good for you in the long run. This is one of those times where she’s going to have fall back to her plan “b” because you’re not helping her in this instance. @@ -33144,8 +33144,8 @@ Decena at this point doesn’t answer. She’s desperately trying not to cry. Ma As your vision goes dark you sense a brief kiss on your lips, which is the last bit of warmth you ever feel. -And then you feel nothing at all." -"Year 50 +And then you feel nothing at all.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 50 As you look at a large map of the known continent of Evigrus you realize that while its been fifteen years since you took the throne as Emperor you’ve already more than doubled the size of the original nation. You’ve also successfully managed to have your ships navigate most of its coastline as well. Even northern most Rask was mapped by your airships. @@ -33301,8 +33301,8 @@ Warrick and Brenda continue to listen. You nod at Brenda and Warrick and return to your private quarters in the palace. You sit down at your desk and spend the rest of the night writing an encouraging letter to have sent to Decena in Nyttrus. -Maybe she couldn’t be here for the “Eternal unification” but you still want her to know that in your eyes she is the most cherished of all of them." -"The fact remains; the full capabilities of New Dessle are still unknown and taking this mountain city would be extremely costly for the Empire, so you’re not going to dismiss Klemto’s stipulations yet, but you are going to come back with one of your own. +Maybe she couldn’t be here for the “Eternal unification” but you still want her to know that in your eyes she is the most cherished of all of them.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>The fact remains; the full capabilities of New Dessle are still unknown and taking this mountain city would be extremely costly for the Empire, so you’re not going to dismiss Klemto’s stipulations yet, but you are going to come back with one of your own. “Very well, your terms are somewhat reasonable though we’re still going to have to hammer out some details, however I do want one thing from you right now.” You say. “Oh? What’s that?” @@ -33456,8 +33456,8 @@ Klemto quickly interrupts you. “I guess so. Well in any event you’re certainly to be commended on raising a child that learned the importance of serving the good of her community.” You answer though you feel like something about Klemto’s story doesn’t add up. “Yes, well I thank you for your kind words my Emperor. Shall we get back to your proposal on your Eyes? As I said before, you can station as many as you feel are needed here!” Klemto says almost eager to stop discussing his adopted daughter. -“Sure, let’s get back to that.” You respond." -"Year 42 +“Sure, let’s get back to that.” You respond.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 42 While you doubt this is going to be your last battle with the Torites, you’re at least hoping it’s going to be the one to break their spirit to the point where they become less of a problem. @@ -33561,8 +33561,8 @@ Two nearby soldiers from General Ackerson’s army see you and they both pull ou While you manage to block the shots with a quick force shield, you are also being attacked by a very vicious chimera, which takes advantage of your distraction. You feel a large singer impaling you through the leg followed up by the chimera’s goat head breathing poisonous gas in your face. -Disoriented, hobbled and half blind, you don’t even see the minotaur that you temporarily fried with your lightning blast come at you with a great axe, cleaving half of head off." -"Year 40 +Disoriented, hobbled and half blind, you don’t even see the minotaur that you temporarily fried with your lightning blast come at you with a great axe, cleaving half of head off.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 40 “I thought the plan was to keep them in the tanks until the sixteenth year.” Brenda says. “No, those were Marik’s original plans for the last Eternals he worked on. We’re doing things differently. From Elam’s earlier calculations, and my own magic theories on this project we both came to the conclusion long ago that keeping them in the tanks for as long as Marik did is asking for trouble in the long term. While it certainly accelerates their skills and abilities there’s a risk for it to have a terrible affect on the mind. In fact it’s probably just as well that Marik killed them all, otherwise we might’ve had hundreds of mental cases.” You reply. @@ -33699,8 +33699,8 @@ As the surviving crew runs around attempting to put out fires and move away gunp Healing magic wouldn’t be of too much help even if you could concentrate to use it. The explosions aboard the airship are deafening and you’re barely conscious as it is. Someone goes over to help you and then you pass out. -You are not awake to experience the Storm’s fiery crash to the ground." -"This adventure has drained you physically, mentally and even emotionally. Attacking a powerful necromancer in his homeland might not be the best idea right now. Another day perhaps… +You are not awake to experience the Storm’s fiery crash to the ground.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>This adventure has drained you physically, mentally and even emotionally. Attacking a powerful necromancer in his homeland might not be the best idea right now. Another day perhaps… You approach the portal and give one last look at Nicodemus who stands by watching you. You can't figure him out. A lot of what he said was very condescending yet he seemed to pity you rather than be angry. He was also very nihilistic in his views on how achievements don't matter, not even life, though at the same he seemed to be trying to give you advice and help you in some strange way. @@ -33750,16 +33750,16 @@ You won’t be doing that. You’ll be leading from the front rather than hiding When everyone finally arrives they naturally all wonder what’s going on, you get right to the point. -""The Emperor as most of us knew him has moved on from this world. As his only logical successor I will be taking his place. If anyone has a problem with this we can have a civilized discussion about it on the battlefield which I have no doubt I will be seeing a lot of when several pretenders, dissidents and outright anarchists attempt to dethrone me. They will fail. The Empire will not fall today or anytime soon. This is just a new era for it and one I fully intend on making successful. The Empire currently is doing well, but I'm confident that with your loyalty and obedience we can make it even stronger."" +"The Emperor as most of us knew him has moved on from this world. As his only logical successor I will be taking his place. If anyone has a problem with this we can have a civilized discussion about it on the battlefield which I have no doubt I will be seeing a lot of when several pretenders, dissidents and outright anarchists attempt to dethrone me. They will fail. The Empire will not fall today or anytime soon. This is just a new era for it and one I fully intend on making successful. The Empire currently is doing well, but I'm confident that with your loyalty and obedience we can make it even stronger." You take a pause in your speech and scan your audience. None of them are interrupting. They all seem to be captivated, of course maybe some are just planning on trying to assassinate you later, but for now you’ll take their attention as a positive sign. -""Join me and the Empire will live forever. YOU will live forever! Who's with me?"" +"Join me and the Empire will live forever. YOU will live forever! Who's with me?" No sooner have you finished your statement, several of the advisors bend their knee and bow towards you. The soldiers draw their weapons and raise them in air pledging their loyalty. -""Hail to the new Emperor!"" -""Long live the Empire!"" +"Hail to the new Emperor!" +"Long live the Empire!" Well that went better than you expected. @@ -33861,8 +33861,8 @@ Of course you know the main reason was due to his own agenda, but now upon readi Casimir certainly kept his promise in one of his letters though; he did say Tilda would always be a major factor in his future goals. While Tilda may have gotten a little revenge, she didn’t exactly do her people any favors given what happened. -You wonder if she knew what lengths Casimir would ultimately go to utterly destroy her people, would she have done it anyway?" -"Jacob and you enter your room. Jacob looks almost as bad as the Emperor once did. He hasn’t been the same since Roldan died, but he’s also been overworked since the Emperor has been sick. The man is in his late sixties, but nowadays he looks more like he’s in his late eighties. The stress has been taking a toll. +You wonder if she knew what lengths Casimir would ultimately go to utterly destroy her people, would she have done it anyway?<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Jacob and you enter your room. Jacob looks almost as bad as the Emperor once did. He hasn’t been the same since Roldan died, but he’s also been overworked since the Emperor has been sick. The man is in his late sixties, but nowadays he looks more like he’s in his late eighties. The stress has been taking a toll. “Jacob, I really hope this is important because I’ve got a lot going through my mind right now.” You say. “I’m sure you do, but you’ll have a lot more after you hear what I have to say. Though after you hear it you might just decide to kill me instead, but that’s a risk I’ll just have to take.” @@ -34052,8 +34052,8 @@ Semra casts a spray of acid, and while it sizzles and melts objects within the d You bleed from your nose, from your ears and finally your eyes. Your death screams are ignored as Semra attempts to defend herself against the Emperor’s overwhelming lightning blasts. -Your brain liquefies inside your skull and you are no longer a factor in this attempted grab for the throne." -"Click. +Your brain liquefies inside your skull and you are no longer a factor in this attempted grab for the throne.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Click. That’s the sound of everything in your head finally coming together. @@ -34510,8 +34510,8 @@ The problem is you don’t have that luxury and after you finally manage to shak Your body broken and bloody is eventually stripped clean by the orcs and left to rot in the wasteland. -Your “return” was a short and ignoble one." -"You don’t have much else to do at this point. You might as well go to Nalin. If you decide you don’t like it there, you can always leave. +Your “return” was a short and ignoble one.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You don’t have much else to do at this point. You might as well go to Nalin. If you decide you don’t like it there, you can always leave. “Okay, okay, I’ll go with you. Just both of you stop going on about it!” “You will? That’s wonderful! Hey would you…” @@ -35166,8 +35166,8 @@ Your reign of terror eventually comes to an end through a combined effort of the You might’ve still went down in history as reminder to the people of Nalin of why they should value freedom and never submit to a totalitarian state… -But then the Flogger tribe rampaged through the decimated nation, which had practically depleted all of its resources in its war against you. The orcs leave no evidence of an Empire or a Republic ever having existed." -"“Okay, I’ll listen to your pleas, but I doubt that you will be able to convince me of anything.” You remark. +But then the Flogger tribe rampaged through the decimated nation, which had practically depleted all of its resources in its war against you. The orcs leave no evidence of an Empire or a Republic ever having existed.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“Okay, I’ll listen to your pleas, but I doubt that you will be able to convince me of anything.” You remark. “You seem so certain.” Batalimus says. “Of course I am. For one I am not some scared citizen or greedy senator that can be bribed or frightened into submission. I am not an ignorant peasant either that can be merely swayed by lies.” “Never thought you were.” @@ -35567,8 +35567,8 @@ You do begin to have some concerns about the potential future of the Eyes. You So ultimately you continue until eventually all that’s left of the order is a few old men and yourself, also of old age by that time. -You all go out one day and never come back." -"As much as you hate to go against your instincts, you were only here once and it was over five hundred years ago. Your memory of things isn’t going to be correct due to the changes in the landscape alone. Even if the maps aren’t giving the exact location, they’re at least a more reliable guideline brought back by people who managed to survive this land. +You all go out one day and never come back.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>As much as you hate to go against your instincts, you were only here once and it was over five hundred years ago. Your memory of things isn’t going to be correct due to the changes in the landscape alone. Even if the maps aren’t giving the exact location, they’re at least a more reliable guideline brought back by people who managed to survive this land. “Okay, we’ll use the maps. We’re going to have to endure this weather either way I suppose and we’ll be less likely to get lost.” You remark. @@ -36034,8 +36034,8 @@ As for you, you’re hit with such a great force that all the wind is knocked ou Floating in the middle of the ocean with pieces of your once great fleet drifting nearby, you struggle to swin to some nearby debris before you pass out. You don’t get far however, when all of a sudden you feel several claws grabbing your legs, this is soon followed by the feeling of teeth sinking into your legs. You attempt to kick away, but you can’t shake them. -A fish person rises up from the water to grab your upper body in an attempt to drag you under for good. The smell of saltwater fills your nostril along with the foul smell of sea life in general. Already struggling to catch your breath, you soon succumb to watery death by the hands of the fish people." -"There might be a day where you’re going to have to command all your armies from bed as a sick old man, but today is not that day. As long as you can wield a weapon and move reasonably well, nobody is stopping you from fighting. As far as being on open water, well this is the perfect chance to get over that possible phobia. +A fish person rises up from the water to grab your upper body in an attempt to drag you under for good. The smell of saltwater fills your nostril along with the foul smell of sea life in general. Already struggling to catch your breath, you soon succumb to watery death by the hands of the fish people.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>There might be a day where you’re going to have to command all your armies from bed as a sick old man, but today is not that day. As long as you can wield a weapon and move reasonably well, nobody is stopping you from fighting. As far as being on open water, well this is the perfect chance to get over that possible phobia. Since your own intelligence reports on Delerg have always been hazy at best, you gather your information from less reputable places, namely some of the prisons. Nalin sailors as a rule stayed away from Delerg waters due to the Island League, Still there were always the occasional forays into it for illegal smuggling purposes and you specifically have these types give you any and all information as well as a chance to earn their freedom by enlisting in the navy. @@ -36271,8 +36271,8 @@ However, you aren’t and your agility isn’t what it used to be. When you atte With your brain fried and blood leaking out of your ears you collapse to the floor. -If Eldolith’s goal was to get you into that portal, she’s going to have to drag your corpse in there now." -"Year 555 +If Eldolith’s goal was to get you into that portal, she’s going to have to drag your corpse in there now.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 555 “Reports as usual say that the Xi have been becoming more frequent in the Arat region and that they have been sighted close to Empire borders, specifically near the city of Regnik.” David remarks. “Well that would be the most logical place for them to attack first seeing as it’s the closest. Seeing as the Xi like to attack from underground, have all of our kobold units on alert and have the seventh scaly brigade stationed in Arat. I know they’re the best of those little vicious bastards and I’m confident that they can slow down or repel such a Xi attack before the rest of the armies get mobilized. Probably can do some tunnel scouting and digging as well.” You remark. @@ -36652,8 +36652,8 @@ It doesn’t matter really, but perhaps it is fitting that you die the same way In your last moments as the ceiling comes crashing down on your head, you surprisingly grab on to Semra’s cold dead hand. -Perhaps in some strange way you were meant to be together after all." -"You know this probably isn’t going to end well, but if you jump into the portal you at least know you’ll buy yourself a little time and a chance at survival. Staying out here is probably going to result in your getting blown to pieces. +Perhaps in some strange way you were meant to be together after all.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You know this probably isn’t going to end well, but if you jump into the portal you at least know you’ll buy yourself a little time and a chance at survival. Staying out here is probably going to result in your getting blown to pieces. You don’t think anymore about it and you take a crawling tumble into the portal. When you go through you’re instantly transported before Semra again. Same withered body, same chair, same plain room without any doors and the portal behind you is gone. You then hear an incredibly loud noise coming from above. It’s enough to even shake your surroundings a little. @@ -36783,8 +36783,8 @@ You try to reason with Semra by stating that if you die, it’ll only buy her a You curse yourself for being so weak as you have nobody to blame but yourself. Semra was just being true to herself, something you should’ve done. You were so afraid of death that you ran from it only to die a slave rather than a warrior or even as a free man. -You lament your poor judgment as your mind begins to fade into the ever-lasting darkness." -"You aren’t going to wait around and marching your troops off to Telis seems like a waste of time when you’re so close to finishing off the Arat Confederacy. Most of all you want to get your revenge on Eldolith for her attack on you in your own palace years ago. +You lament your poor judgment as your mind begins to fade into the ever-lasting darkness.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You aren’t going to wait around and marching your troops off to Telis seems like a waste of time when you’re so close to finishing off the Arat Confederacy. Most of all you want to get your revenge on Eldolith for her attack on you in your own palace years ago. You gather all the mages that are currently within your war camp and explain that you’re going to bring down that barrier. It’s going to require a great deal of energy and that it’s completely possible that some won’t even survive the process, but once that barrier is down, Lenay will be ripe for the taking. @@ -36874,8 +36874,8 @@ It’s no kind of life. Not for an Eternal. That’s why you aren’t going to run. When the gnomes come in their flying machines to bomb Nalin to cinders, you’ll be right here to go along with it. -And in a few months, you meet your fate." -"Year 557 +And in a few months, you meet your fate.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 557 Arat is nearly yours...well what’s left of it anyway and even after you take it completely there is still the matter of holding it. And that will certainly be a great task, one you even wonder if you’ll live to see. The aches and pains in your body continue to get worse with age, you tire a lot easier and you get short of breath at times. Everyone tells you that you shouldn’t be anywhere close to the battlefield, but you can’t help it. It’s the only place you feel you truly belong and gives you a thrill even if you’re not doing a lot of active fighting nowadays. @@ -37057,8 +37057,8 @@ Another moment of silence passes and then you get your aching body off of your t In your last days of fighting the Xi (and through your own physical pain) you wonder if those ships will find a new place to settle. You did your best and really given the circumstances, that was all you could’ve done. -Eventually you are struck down by the Xi and your last thoughts are wondering if you’ll be reunited with Alison." -"You’re not going to reach it in time, but you can’t allow the gnomes to wield such power. If this spell kills you then so be it, still maybe you won’t need to summon a firestorm so large. The airships are close enough to the city that if you could damage them, they’ll probably crash into the city themselves and bring it down. +Eventually you are struck down by the Xi and your last thoughts are wondering if you’ll be reunited with Alison.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You’re not going to reach it in time, but you can’t allow the gnomes to wield such power. If this spell kills you then so be it, still maybe you won’t need to summon a firestorm so large. The airships are close enough to the city that if you could damage them, they’ll probably crash into the city themselves and bring it down. You concentrate on flames, fire, and the entire sky burning. Doesn’t take long before the sky around you goes red. Your soldiers aren’t quite sure what’s going on, but when it’s obvious that you’re casting something, multiple officers shout to their subordinates to find shelter within mage barriers if they aren’t there already. @@ -37123,8 +37123,8 @@ Your only regret is that you didn’t decide to face death in battle when you at Eventually your pain comes to a quiet end when you manage to drift into unconsciousness and finally death. -And just as you believed, the Empire follows you in death soon after, though perhaps not quite as quietly." -"You’re not wasting any more time on Lenay and as much as you’d love to put a blade into Eldolith from your last encounter, she’s not worth the time either. The Arat Confederacy is no longer a concern. Let the Xi have Lenay if they want to continue throwing bodies at it. The gnomes are the greater threat; they’ve already got ships that fly in the air and who knows what the hell they have planned. Maybe if you take Telis, you can also gain the knowledge of how to build such machines because so far the experiments by your inventors haven’t had much success. +And just as you believed, the Empire follows you in death soon after, though perhaps not quite as quietly.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You’re not wasting any more time on Lenay and as much as you’d love to put a blade into Eldolith from your last encounter, she’s not worth the time either. The Arat Confederacy is no longer a concern. Let the Xi have Lenay if they want to continue throwing bodies at it. The gnomes are the greater threat; they’ve already got ships that fly in the air and who knows what the hell they have planned. Maybe if you take Telis, you can also gain the knowledge of how to build such machines because so far the experiments by your inventors haven’t had much success. The first thing you have to do is order a withdraw from the Lenay area. This confuses your officers, but other than General Ingrid who insists that the city can be taken, they all just follow your commands. (As does Ingrid after a bit of arguing) @@ -37510,8 +37510,8 @@ Plus Jennifer will probably do her best to guide him. She’s already proven ade You don’t know how long you have left in this world, but you think you’ll be taking it easy for a while. -And why the hell not? You’re the Emperor." -"Year 560 +And why the hell not? You’re the Emperor.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 560 “Emperor, the Xi have made their first incursions into Quala.” David remarks. “(Sigh) It was only a matter of time I suppose. The damn bugs just can’t seem to be wiped out. Even with this floating fortress and the new airships we created. Have we lost Arat completely?” @@ -37656,8 +37656,8 @@ You think about how they must’ve easily eviscerated her withered old helpless Then you start to laugh. -You laugh for a long time…" -"Normally you don’t do this, because repelling projectiles actually takes more focus than flinging fireballs or putting up a shield in the first place, but if you can take out all the guns firing on you with their own bullets then you’ll get the breather you need. +You laugh for a long time…<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Normally you don’t do this, because repelling projectiles actually takes more focus than flinging fireballs or putting up a shield in the first place, but if you can take out all the guns firing on you with their own bullets then you’ll get the breather you need. You refocus the shield and sure enough the bullets are repelled back towards the guns that are firing on you. It isn’t an exact hit, but enough of them hit their own guns (or in some cases the gunner) enough that it puts them out of commission, other bullets either go flying off wildly into the air or into other parts of the airship. In any case you hit something that causes problem since you see and hear minor explosions, which the gnomes are probably busily trying to contain. The airship shudders in the sky a bit, but it isn’t falling out of sky, which it probably would have done if you’d lobbed hunks of fire at it. @@ -37795,8 +37795,8 @@ From what you can tell this all started before you were even dug up. At least ac You’ve found some other plans and scraps of info about what the gnomes were up to recently as well, but a lot of it is pretty technical and some of it looks biological. Specifically Xi. Maybe they were looking to poison the Xi somehow too. -In any event, you decide to let your inventors and doctors take a closer look at the mess and maybe they can figure out how to apply it." -"Normally you don’t do this, because repelling projectiles actually takes more focus than flinging fireballs or putting up a shield in the first place, but if you can take out all the guns firing on you with their own bullets then you’ll get the breather you need. +In any event, you decide to let your inventors and doctors take a closer look at the mess and maybe they can figure out how to apply it.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Normally you don’t do this, because repelling projectiles actually takes more focus than flinging fireballs or putting up a shield in the first place, but if you can take out all the guns firing on you with their own bullets then you’ll get the breather you need. You refocus the shield and sure enough the bullets are repelled back towards the guns that are firing on you. It isn’t an exact hit, but enough of them hit their own guns (or in some cases the gunner) enough that it puts them out of commission, other bullets either go flying off wildly into the air or into other parts of the airship. In any case you hit something that causes problem since you see and hear minor explosions, which the gnomes are probably busily trying to contain. The airship shudders in the sky a bit, but it isn’t falling out of sky, which it probably would have done if you’d lobbed hunks of fire at it. @@ -37924,8 +37924,8 @@ Snapping out of your introspection, you address David more directly. “Oh David, here take this.” You say hold out the mithril dagger for him to take. “What’s this for?” David asks taking the dagger. -“To dispose of, I have no more need of it.” You answer." -"Probably a fool’s task, but if you survive this you’re going to have to still deal with the Xi. A flying fortress would give a significant advantage. +“To dispose of, I have no more need of it.” You answer.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Probably a fool’s task, but if you survive this you’re going to have to still deal with the Xi. A flying fortress would give a significant advantage. You stop using your own energy to support your mages and refocus on a creating a personal shield around yourself. You give the order for everyone to get out of your way or grab on to Telis if they can. @@ -37999,8 +37999,8 @@ You keep your barrier up to protect yourself from the falling debris, but Renly When the airship finally hits the city surface it is engulfed by fire and the impact strikes your barrier so hard that even you are pushed away by the force. Your entire body hits the ground and you lose concentration of your spell. Fire is all around you and you pass out. -You never wake up to experience Telis falling out the sky and causing an even greater explosion on the surface." -"As high as you currently are, the beast is still several times higher and should easily be a perfect target. +You never wake up to experience Telis falling out the sky and causing an even greater explosion on the surface.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>As high as you currently are, the beast is still several times higher and should easily be a perfect target. You concentrate and as you do you begin to feel little charges and sparks around you and the air begins to have a faint smell of electricity. As dark as the sky is with the beast blocking the sun with its size, the sky gets even darker when storm cloud gather. @@ -38152,8 +38152,8 @@ You get out of the chair you were sitting in slowly and make your way to the bed “Ah…better.” You say as the pain in your back lessens. “She’ll get over those lingering feelings eventually. Everything fades in time.” -You say that, knowing that isn’t necessarily true when you begin thinking about Alison as you drift off to sleep." -"Year 550 +You say that, knowing that isn’t necessarily true when you begin thinking about Alison as you drift off to sleep.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 550 More and more each year your nation is starting to resemble the Empire of old. More and more each year you’re also starting to feel old too. The aches and pains of battles long past (and not too long past) are starting to catch up with you. @@ -38278,8 +38278,8 @@ Even if you do survive this, you’re not sure if you’ll even be able to get b You blast a group of the fishmen with lightning which gives you a breather, but only so you’re just in time to see another tentacle come sweeping towards you. Unfortunately you don’t quite get out of the way in time and the hefty blow shatters your legs. This also has enough force to knock you off the boat and into the water. -You struggle a bit in the water desperately trying to keep above it, but soon the claws of several fish men grab at your broken legs and torso. Your struggling is put to a complete end when one of them rises up out the water to sink his teeth into your throat." -"Year 545 +You struggle a bit in the water desperately trying to keep above it, but soon the claws of several fish men grab at your broken legs and torso. Your struggling is put to a complete end when one of them rises up out the water to sink his teeth into your throat.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 545 It isn’t what you would’ve inherited had things been different, but you achieved what many said couldn’t be done. You tamed Quala badlands and have successfully incorporated it into the Empire. It certainly helped that you and Trog already had an understanding long before hand, but encouraging more kobolds citizens to settle the area worked out a lot better than you hoped. The eager little scalies seem to like the wilder and more untamed lands and it also got them out of the more “civilized” Nalin too, making more than a few rural human populations happier that their homes weren’t suddenly collapsing from over dug kobold tunnels. @@ -38455,8 +38455,8 @@ You attempt to build a raft, but the wood on this island is scarce and in any ca They continue this cycle every few days and you’re successful in driving them back despite the odds. You manage to survive on fish person meat to survive, but the problem is a lack of fresh water (And as for fishman blood, well you might as well be drinking sea water). You just can’t keep up your strength to survive the ongoing assault and again, there is no rescue in sight. -Eventually after a week of holding out, you eventually succumb to a combination of dehydration and the fishman attacks. Soon after your bloody death, your body is mostly consumed and some of your bones used to make new weapons." -"While not a true threat in the scheme of things, the Island League of Delerg is still a hostile “power” on your borders. If you have to go to war with the Arat Confederacy in the near future, you don’t want to be worrying about getting possibly attacked from another side. Rask can wait for now. +Eventually after a week of holding out, you eventually succumb to a combination of dehydration and the fishman attacks. Soon after your bloody death, your body is mostly consumed and some of your bones used to make new weapons.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>While not a true threat in the scheme of things, the Island League of Delerg is still a hostile “power” on your borders. If you have to go to war with the Arat Confederacy in the near future, you don’t want to be worrying about getting possibly attacked from another side. Rask can wait for now. As for Daniel and Eldolith you’ll indulge both of their requests for now. You tell Daniel that he can consider his city now under the protection of the Empire and that any foreign invasion attempts in any form with be met with force. @@ -38575,8 +38575,8 @@ You stare up from the floor at Jennifer who holds a smoking pistol in her hand. “I wish things could’ve been different, but I knew you would’ve never accepted the glory that is to come when Hukleev rises from his underwater kingdom and submerges the Empire, transforming all into his subjects.” -You can’t even reply or react to Jennifer’s words let alone her treachery. You just bleed out and start to lose consciousness. The last thing you see is Jennifer moving in closer to you where upon she gives you one last kiss, which tastes faintly of brine." -"As much as you hate to go against your instincts, you were only here once and it was over five hundred years ago. Your memory of things isn’t going to be correct due to the changes in the landscape alone. Even if the maps aren’t giving the exact location, they’re at least a more reliable guideline brought back by people who managed to survive this land. +You can’t even reply or react to Jennifer’s words let alone her treachery. You just bleed out and start to lose consciousness. The last thing you see is Jennifer moving in closer to you where upon she gives you one last kiss, which tastes faintly of brine.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>As much as you hate to go against your instincts, you were only here once and it was over five hundred years ago. Your memory of things isn’t going to be correct due to the changes in the landscape alone. Even if the maps aren’t giving the exact location, they’re at least a more reliable guideline brought back by people who managed to survive this land. “Okay, we’ll use the maps. We’re going to have to endure this weather either way I suppose and we’ll be less likely to get lost.” You remark. @@ -38703,8 +38703,8 @@ This task, this great work, this VISION is going to take years, possibly even mo We will live on for as long as the Eyes survive, the Empire will survive. -You close the book and reflect upon the words within." -"“Alright, you’ll have your two Trog, I need to go back and speak with my people about which two though.” +You close the book and reflect upon the words within.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>“Alright, you’ll have your two Trog, I need to go back and speak with my people about which two though.” Trog nods and you return to the group to explain the situation, it goes about as well as you expected. @@ -38827,8 +38827,8 @@ You can’t even get up, because the bullet ripped through your spine paralyzing It doesn’t take long for them to easily kill Jennifer and her crew, followed by your soldiers and by the time they get to you, you’re still weak from blood loss and having limited mobility. -You manage to kill one of them before one puts its fist through your chest and rips off the top half of your torso for a feast." -"You may have lost your mind thinking that you can even attempt living a normal life, but then you’re the same guy who actually listened to a twisted abusive svelk bitch that convinced you it was a good idea to attack the Emperor too. +You manage to kill one of them before one puts its fist through your chest and rips off the top half of your torso for a feast.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You may have lost your mind thinking that you can even attempt living a normal life, but then you’re the same guy who actually listened to a twisted abusive svelk bitch that convinced you it was a good idea to attack the Emperor too. And what’s this decision compare to something like that? @@ -38963,8 +38963,8 @@ You have little time to find out as more arrows from invisible orcs rain down on You fall to the ground and begin coughing up blood. You desperately try to heal yourself before you succumb to your wounds, but there isn’t enough time. You start to lose consciousness before the orcs finally materialize and finish you off in a more up close and personal way. -Your last moments are being beaten and chopped to a bloody unrecognizable pulp by several clubs and blunt axes." -"Year 540 +Your last moments are being beaten and chopped to a bloody unrecognizable pulp by several clubs and blunt axes.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 540 It’s not there yet, but the political and social climate in the republic is finally getting to a point that’s a little more recognizable to you. Thanks to Trog’s actions the orcs have been attacking the Nalin just like you wanted. After a couple of burned down massacred villages, the Nalinites are a lot more supportive of military endeavors (Kobold citizens especially, but that’s hardly surprising given their nature). @@ -39099,8 +39099,8 @@ Things were so much simpler back then. You shouldn’t have ever listened to Semra. Even if the Emperor had killed you, at least you wouldn’t exist in a time where the Empire doesn’t. You would’ve died at least knowing the Empire would still be around. -Not being able to go on and unwilling to stick around, you suddenly leave Nalin forever. Where, nobody knows. Some say you found death in the Usksha Desert, others say you found it in the cold mountains of Rask, but ultimately what happened to you is lost to time." -"Year 537 +Not being able to go on and unwilling to stick around, you suddenly leave Nalin forever. Where, nobody knows. Some say you found death in the Usksha Desert, others say you found it in the cold mountains of Rask, but ultimately what happened to you is lost to time.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 537 “Ah, there’s nothing better than when a plan comes together! Your actions of stirring up the orcs have been paying off and I’ve finally managed to get the public to become in favor of a strong army and your training has been producing much tougher and disciplined soldiers to create that stronger army.” Quintus remarks to you while he sips his wine. “I’m certainly glad someone you finally found someone more competent than yourself. Makes all your years of failure totally worth it.” Quintus’ wife Nalia remarks in a bored tone lying on a couch. She’s already on her second bottle of wine and it’s not even the afternoon yet. @@ -39217,8 +39217,8 @@ As you’re gasping for air and trying to move to do something to defend yoursel Under normal circumstances, you might’ve been able to heal yourself of the two big bullet holes in your back that also caused severe internal damage, but floating in cold water, with limited mobility and a profuse loss of blood is a deadly combination. -You eventually lose consciousness and the merciless sea does the rest." -"After sitting here for about an hour or so listening to the sorry state the republic is in, let alone the rest of the area that used to be part of the old Empire, you’ve had enough of it all. +You eventually lose consciousness and the merciless sea does the rest.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>After sitting here for about an hour or so listening to the sorry state the republic is in, let alone the rest of the area that used to be part of the old Empire, you’ve had enough of it all. “Stop. I’ve heard enough about your wretched country. I can already tell what YOU want. You want the Empire back.” “Yes! I want to resurrect the Empire!” Quintus exclaims. @@ -39327,8 +39327,8 @@ Starting tomorrow, I’m going to make some major changes. I’m not even sure w I just wish Roldan was here. -“I wish you all were here.” You say to yourself and close the book." -"After sitting here for about an hour or so listening to the sorry state the republic is in, let alone the rest of the area that used to be part of the old Empire, you’ve had enough of it all. +“I wish you all were here.” You say to yourself and close the book.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>After sitting here for about an hour or so listening to the sorry state the republic is in, let alone the rest of the area that used to be part of the old Empire, you’ve had enough of it all. “Stop. I’ve heard enough about your wretched country. I can already tell what YOU want. You want the Empire back.” “Yes! I want to resurrect the Empire!” Quintus exclaims. @@ -39466,8 +39466,8 @@ You leave the dig site and think about what you originally went there for in fir “Well Semra, I don’t really know why you saved me. Then again I didn’t understand your twisted obsession for me either. Whether it was genuine love, svelk psychological torture, your own personal fucked up mind or a combination of the three I’ll never know. And I guess now, I never will. But for what it’s worth. Thank you.” -After your monologue to yourself, you ride off in search of orcs to antagonize." -"While it’s entirely possibly that you’d come out of this thing alive, (You’ve certainly been through worse) there’s little guarantee that anyone else will. If you’re going to keep your “rescuers” alive, you’ll need to be unhindered. +After your monologue to yourself, you ride off in search of orcs to antagonize.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>While it’s entirely possibly that you’d come out of this thing alive, (You’ve certainly been through worse) there’s little guarantee that anyone else will. If you’re going to keep your “rescuers” alive, you’ll need to be unhindered. “What’re you doing?!” Jennifer asks as you leap on a horse. “I’m getting off this thing, and I suggest if you don’t want to be a big target you will too, there’s another horse here, jump on it and we’ll unhitch the wagon!” @@ -39606,8 +39606,8 @@ Quintus and Jennifer aren’t sure how to respond. They think for a moment and t “Um…before the cataclysm, Empire was in the process with wiping up gnoll rabble on its western borders wasn’t it?” “Yes.” “Well, they must’ve never recovered from it, because there hasn’t been a gnoll seen in nearly five centuries!” -“Gee…well thank the Empire for small victories.” You say shaking your head with your hand on your forehead." -"While it’s entirely possibly that you’d come out of this thing alive, (You’ve certainly been through worse) there’s little guarantee that anyone else will. If you’re going to keep your “rescuers” alive, you’ll need to be unhindered. +“Gee…well thank the Empire for small victories.” You say shaking your head with your hand on your forehead.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>While it’s entirely possibly that you’d come out of this thing alive, (You’ve certainly been through worse) there’s little guarantee that anyone else will. If you’re going to keep your “rescuers” alive, you’ll need to be unhindered. “What’re you doing?!” Jennifer asks as you leap on a horse. “I’m getting off this thing, and I suggest if you don’t want to be a big target you will too, there’s another horse here, jump on it and we’ll unhitch the wagon!” @@ -39717,8 +39717,8 @@ Quintus continues ranting, you get the impression he’s given a similar speech Quintus goes on about the failings of the republic for quite some time, but it all is sort of boring you. The republic is a weak inefficient state that coddles its citizens and is run by corrupt fools. You got it the first time. Jennifer told you Quintus was influential, but so far all you’ve heard is a lot of his failures to get things accomplished. -You certainly hope he’s got a better plan of action than just whining." -"In for a silver, in for a sack as they say. If this spell is going to protect you from the Emperor, you’d best stick with it and worry about Semra’s intentions later. Though at this point you don’t even feel any pain on your side of things, but maybe that’s because you aren’t trying to hide anything from her. +You certainly hope he’s got a better plan of action than just whining.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>In for a silver, in for a sack as they say. If this spell is going to protect you from the Emperor, you’d best stick with it and worry about Semra’s intentions later. Though at this point you don’t even feel any pain on your side of things, but maybe that’s because you aren’t trying to hide anything from her. Your life has more or less always been an open book. You’ve never really hidden anything because you’ve usually come clean eventually anyway. You’re not even going to be hiding your desires to kill the Emperor pretty soon. If Semra’s hoping to learn something to use against you, she’s in for disappointment. @@ -39797,8 +39797,8 @@ You stagger towards the Emperor and raise your sword in an effort to strike him, “Tch. Tch. What were you thinking son? I guess you weren’t otherwise you wouldn’t have tried to kill me in the first place.” -The Emperor continues to drain you of your life and it doesn’t take long before you see your hand shrivel and wizen before your eyes. Your entire body soon follows this sequence until your organs fail and death is instantaneous though definitely not painless." -"Year 35 +The Emperor continues to drain you of your life and it doesn’t take long before you see your hand shrivel and wizen before your eyes. Your entire body soon follows this sequence until your organs fail and death is instantaneous though definitely not painless.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>Year 35 While you’ve never been excessively fond of these important meetings because they take you away from the battlefield, you like them even less nowadays due to having to see the Emperor in such a weakened state. You remember when he first started displaying the signs of being unwell; you dismissed it and thought that he’d eventually get better. Five years have passed since you found out and he’s only gotten worse. @@ -39895,8 +39895,8 @@ Unfortunately you don’t anticipate your derro host to take matters into his ow You try to get back up, but you’re overwhelmed and too badly wounded. Boots stomp and kick your body followed by several blades through your internal organs. You’re finally finished off by another gunshot to your head. -Later on Marik explains to the Emperor that you insisted on fighting fifty of the new eternals to test them and that despite his warnings you were killed in the ensuing melee. If you were still alive you probably would be honored that the Emperor had Marik killed soon afterwards." -"With revenge filling every inch of your body you immediately open the carriage door with the intent of climbing up to meet your attacker. No sooner have you opened the door when a rotting hand from above attempts to stab you in the face with a dagger. +Later on Marik explains to the Emperor that you insisted on fighting fifty of the new eternals to test them and that despite his warnings you were killed in the ensuing melee. If you were still alive you probably would be honored that the Emperor had Marik killed soon afterwards.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>With revenge filling every inch of your body you immediately open the carriage door with the intent of climbing up to meet your attacker. No sooner have you opened the door when a rotting hand from above attempts to stab you in the face with a dagger. The blade superficially wounds you as it slices across your cheek. Unfazed you immediately grab the hand and pull down as hard as you can. The moment you do so you suddenly feel an unnatural drain of energy. Magic is definitely at work here and it’s sapping your strength. Despite this, the shadow tumbles off of the roof, but on its way down it grabs your own arm with its other hand and the pair of you fall from the carriage. @@ -40005,8 +40005,8 @@ With the last major gnoll lair destroyed the Empire expanded its western borders Of course these thoughts of future victories are all you have now to keep yourself in a positive mood nowadays. Your recent success has basically ensured that further major expansion and conquest won’t be necessary for quite some time. Alison’s gone and the Emperor’s health is still poor and showing no signs of improving. -It is no wonder that your mind drifts into possible better days ahead." -"With revenge filling every inch of your body you immediately open the carriage door with the intent of climbing up to meet your attacker. No sooner have you opened the door when a rotting hand from above attempts to stab you in the face with a dagger. +It is no wonder that your mind drifts into possible better days ahead.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>With revenge filling every inch of your body you immediately open the carriage door with the intent of climbing up to meet your attacker. No sooner have you opened the door when a rotting hand from above attempts to stab you in the face with a dagger. The blade superficially wounds you as it slices across your cheek. Unfazed you immediately grab the hand and pull down as hard as you can. The moment you do so you suddenly feel an unnatural drain of energy. Magic is definitely at work here and it’s sapping your strength. Despite this, the shadow tumbles off of the roof, but on its way down it grabs your own arm with its other hand and the pair of you fall from the carriage. @@ -40157,8 +40157,8 @@ After a bit of clean up you report the incident to Jacob, who while not as upset Jacob begins looking through his paperwork for a blank piece of paper and starts writing. It’s probably some decree to give Kane a proper military funeral along with the usual accolades about how he died gloriously in battle with several giants. “His duty to the Empire won’t be forgotten. I’m going to make sure of that.” Jacob says. -“That’s all he ever wanted.” You reply and take your leave." -"If this is some sort of shadow attack then the first thing you need to do is keep the palace secure, in particular the Emperor. Besides the city streets are going to be mayhem, you doubt if you’ll be able to track down the assassin that killed Roldan. Hopefully others will get him though. +“That’s all he ever wanted.” You reply and take your leave.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>If this is some sort of shadow attack then the first thing you need to do is keep the palace secure, in particular the Emperor. Besides the city streets are going to be mayhem, you doubt if you’ll be able to track down the assassin that killed Roldan. Hopefully others will get him though. Despite Alison getting most of the people back into the palace, Jacob is still sitting on the balcony in shock. @@ -40242,8 +40242,8 @@ But it couldn’t be him…could it? The assassin’s grinning expression seems to say it all. -But why or how he came to this state will remain a mystery to you along with whoever it was that raised him in the first place." -"You’re sure the Emperor means well and he probably does have more knowledge on these things. But he doesn’t know Alison the way you know her. You also can’t and won’t spend your life in fear that something might occur that will cause strife between you and Alison. +But why or how he came to this state will remain a mystery to you along with whoever it was that raised him in the first place.<|endoftext|> +<|startoftext|>You’re sure the Emperor means well and he probably does have more knowledge on these things. But he doesn’t know Alison the way you know her. You also can’t and won’t spend your life in fear that something might occur that will cause strife between you and Alison. That’s why you’re going to tell her what happened two years ago and face whatever the consequences may be. @@ -40368,4 +40368,4 @@ Alison gets silent for a moment. “That’s not funny Alison.” “Hey it would explain why she’s still carrying a bit of a torch for you. Okay, I’ll stop I can see you’re getting grumpy. Let’s get off the subject entirely.” -At this point you’re more than willing to do just that rather than dwell on very unlikely yet very depressing possibilities." +At this point you’re more than willing to do just that rather than dwell on very unlikely yet very depressing possibilities.<|endoftext|>